Greek coast guard defends response to shipwreck that may have killed up to 500 migrants
PBS NewsHourMAY 2023
Greek Court Charges 17 Coastguards Over Pylos Wreck
Above: An aerial photo of the ship Adriana taken by the Hellenic Coast Guard before it capsized, on June 14, 2023. Image copyright: Handout/Hellenic Coast Guard via Getty Images
The Spin
Narrative A
The legal proceedings against those responsible for the disaster that unfolded on June 14, 2023, have been a long time coming. From the ship’s captain and crew to the then-chief of the Hellenic Coast Guard, there was a willful failure among Greek coastguards to discharge their duties, leading to a catastrophic loss of life. Their prosecution marks a step towards justice and accountability.
Narrative B
The sinking of the Adriana was a tragedy, but the Hellenic Coast Guard bears no responsibility for its occurrence. The HCG fulfilled its duties by monitoring the vessel and launching an extensive search and rescue operation once it was evidently in distress. Despite the smears made against it, the HCG has an impeccable record, rescuing 250,000 migrants at sea in the last decade.