Greece: Survivors of a migrant shipwreck that occurred off the coast of Greece in June, resulting in hundreds of casualties, have taken legal action against Greek authorities. The lawsuit, filed on Thursday, alleges that the authorities failed in their duty to safeguard the lives of those aboard the vessel.
The ill-fated incident involved an overcrowded fishing trawler, reportedly carrying between 400 to 750 individuals hailing from Pakistan, Syria, and Egypt. The vessel tragically sank in international waters off Greece while en route from Libya to Italy. Out of the passengers, only 104 men survived, and authorities managed to recover the remains of just 82 individuals.
Survivors have recounted harrowing conditions both above and below deck, describing an absence of sustenance and potable water. They have also detailed a catastrophic attempt by the Greek coast guard to tow the vessel, which ultimately led to its capsizing. This information is based on interviews and evidence reviewed by Reuters.
The Greek coast guard and government have asserted that they monitored the vessel for a considerable duration without attempting to tow it. Tragically, the vessel capsized when the coast guard was approximately 70 meters away.
A judicial inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the tragic incident is currently underway, although it may take more than a year to conclude.
On Thursday, 40 survivors initiated legal action, alleging that “Greek authorities failed to intervene immediately and organize an appropriate operation in time to rescue those on board,” as stated by a representative of the Hellenic League for Human Rights. The survivors contend that the vessel was “manifestly unseaworthy” and have demanded “an immediate, comprehensive, and credible investigation” into the factors contributing to one of the deadliest boat disasters in the Mediterranean in recent memory.
Furthermore, legal representatives acting on behalf of the families of the missing have submitted a request to judicial authorities overseeing the case, urging the retrieval of the sunken vessel.
Source,Reuters
