Pylos, Greece: at least 82 deaths and hundreds of refugees missing following tragic shipwreck

21-06-2023

Marina Anastasilaki,

Europe and Human Rights Researcher,

Global Human Rights Defence.

The 14th of June 2023 marked one of the deadliest shipwrecks in recent European history off the coast of Pylos in Greece. Following investigations, there are currently at least 82 deaths of refugees who had embarked on the fishing boat in question while 104 refugees have been rescued and many others are missing. In fact, according to the Pakistani Government, it is estimated that the boat had between 750 and 800 passengers. In accordance with the statements made by the Greek authorities, the boat was on a steady route to Italy and refused their help. Nevertheless, according to the chronology of events as presented by Watch the Med – Alarm Phone (an online platform monitoring refugees at EU borders at sea), the Greek authorities had been informed about the coordinates of the boat with the message that they are “urgently asking for help”. Also, pursuant to an independent investigation conducted by BBC, there are further doubts as regards the statements of the Greek coastguard that the boat was on a steady route to Italy. The evidence that BBC has gathered - based on the movement of other ships in that area - demonstrates that the overcrowded boat carrying the refugees was not moving for at least seven hours before it capsized. Additionally, according to survivors, the boat capsized after a dangerous maneuver taken by the local coastguard to steer the vessel toward Italy.  

The refugee crisis is among the most pressing issues in the context of the European Union. Pursuant to article 98 of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, an international agreement ratified by the EU, “every state shall require the master of a ship flying its flag, in so far as he[she] can do so without serious danger to the ship, the crew or the passengers: to render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost; to proceed with all possible speed to the rescue of persons in distress, if informed of their need of assistance, in so far as such action may reasonably be expected of him”. 

The situation is currently being investigated by the Greek public Prosecutor. Simultaneously, Vincent Cochetel - UNHCR’s special envoy proposed an independent investigation due to the differences about the chronology of events as presented by the Greek coastguard, other entities and survivors. It is of fundamental importance to ensure an impartial investigation on the matter and safeguard the rights of refugees once and for all. 

Sources and further reading 

BBC. (2023, June 19). Greece boat disaster: BBC investigation casts doubt on coastguard’s claims. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-65942426

EU Immigration and Asylum Law and Policy. (2022. December 23). The Duty of the EU to Criminalize Failure to Rescue at Sea. EU IMMIGRATION AND ASYLUM LAW AND POLICY. https://eumigrationlawblog.eu/the-legal-duty-of-the-eu-to-criminalise-failure-to-rescue-at-sea/

Politico. (2023, June 19). EU issues muted response to Greek migrant shipwreck. POLITICO. https://www.politico.eu/article/greece-eu-commission-shipwreck-mediterranean-sea-muted-response-on-greek-migrant-wreck/ 

Rosa. (2023, June 21). Shipwreck: 82 dead – The prosecutor ordered the temporary detention of those arrested. ROSA. https://www.rosa.gr/prosfygiko/navagio-stous-84-oi-nekroi-pou-exoun-entopisthei-mexri-stigmis/ 

Solomon. (2023, June15). “They are urgently asking for help”: The SOS that was ignored. SOLOMON. https://wearesolomon.com/mag/focus-area/migration/they-are-urgently-asking-for-help-the-sos-that-was-ignored/ 

United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, entered into force November 16, 1994, https://www.un.org/depts/los/convention_agreements/texts/unclos/unclos_e.pdf