A 158-page report by Greek Ombudsman Andreas Pottakis has highlighted “serious and reprehensible omissions” by senior officers of the Hellenic Coast Guard in their search and rescue efforts during a deadly shipwreck incident off Pylos. The document points to “clear indications of culpability” for eight high-ranking coast guard officials under criminal law due to their handling of the tragedy.
As previously reported by POLITICO, suspects, including the head of the coast guard, were summoned for questioning. The report alleges that “crucial evidence” was withheld during the investigation, particularly concerning claims that the coast guard had towed the distressed fishing vessel.
“The actions and omissions of the involved officers in managing the incident constitute offenses such as reckless exposure to danger, along with compromising the life, health, and physical safety of those aboard the Adriana fishing vessel,” the ombudsman’s office stated.
The findings have been delivered to the shipping minister for potential disciplinary action and to prosecutors at the Piraeus Maritime Court for further legal assessment.
The Hellenic Coast Guard declined to comment on the report.
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