Pylos Migrant Shipwreck: What Happened
On 14 June 2023, an overcrowded fishing trawler carrying migrants sank in the Mediterranean Sea in international waters around 80 kilometers off the coast of Pylos, in the southwestern Peloponnese, in one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks ever recorded in the Mediterranean. The boat, called the Adriana, had set out from eastern Libya bound for Italy, carrying an estimated 500 to 750 people, mainly from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and the Palestinian territories, including women and children, many of whom were believed to be in the ship's hold. Only 104 people survived, and 82 bodies were recovered, meaning hundreds of people are believed to have died. The Greek coast guard had been monitoring the boat for hours before it capsized. Survivors' accounts and investigations by journalists and human rights organizations raised serious questions about the coast guard's actions, including whether a rescue should have been launched earlier and claims that an attempt to tow the boat caused it to capsize, which the coast guard denied. Investigations into the coast guard's role continued in Greek courts and by the Greek Ombudsman.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the Pylos shipwreck?
On 14 June 2023, an overcrowded fishing trawler carrying migrants sank in international waters about 80 kilometers off Pylos, in one of the deadliest Mediterranean shipwrecks recorded.
How many people died in the Pylos shipwreck?
The boat carried an estimated 500 to 750 people. Only 104 survived and 82 bodies were recovered, so hundreds are believed to have died.
Where was the Adriana going?
The trawler, called the Adriana, had set out from eastern Libya bound for Italy, carrying people mainly from Pakistan, Syria, Egypt and the Palestinian territories.
Why was the Greek coast guard criticized?
Survivors and investigations raised questions about whether a rescue should have started earlier and claims that a towing attempt caused the capsizing, which the coast guard denied.
Is the Pylos shipwreck still being investigated?
Yes. Investigations into the coast guard's role have continued in Greek courts and by the Greek Ombudsman.
