Audio Leak Raises Questions About Greek Authorities’ Handling of Migrant Boat Tragedy in 2023
In 2023, a leaked audio recording has raised serious concerns regarding the actions of Greek authorities during the migrant boat tragedy that occurred on June 14. The incident, which took place in Greek waters, resulted in the tragic deaths of over 650 migrants.
According to the BBC, the audio reveals that Greek officials instructed the captain of the sinking boat to tell a ship coming to their rescue that the migrants were not heading to Greece, but instead intended to reach Italy. In a second call, made 90 minutes later, a Greek official further directed the rescue ship’s captain to document that the migrants did not want to reach Greece.
Survivors of the disaster have claimed that the Greek Coast Guard mishandled the boat by pulling it inappropriately, causing it to capsize. Additionally, it is alleged that those who survived the incident were coerced into silence about the events surrounding the tragedy.
The audio and the survivors’ testimonies have sparked an investigation into the handling of the disaster and the actions of Greek authorities during the rescue efforts.
