Migrant shipwreck death toll rises as Greek coastguard denies media claims

Ā·

Three more bodies were found off southern Greece, as the number of confirmed victims from the tragic migrant shipwreck rose to 81 on Monday. Only 104 people are known to have survived.

This comes after the Hellenic Coast Guard released a statement on Monday rejecting claims made by domestic and international media that the fishing vessel carrying migrants to Italy was not movingĀ for several hours before capsizing.

A survivor of a shipwreck gestures outside a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town, about 240 kilometers (150 miles) southwest of Athens, on Thursday, June 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, from the moment the vessel was first identified in the early hours of June 13, it sailed more than 24 nautical miles. The statement mentioned that two tanker vessels approached the fishing boat while it was sailing and offered food and water to those on board.

ā€œFrom the moment the supply of the vessel was complete to its immobilisation due to mechanical failure, the vessel covered a distance of approximately 6 nautical miles. Overall, this particular vessel, from the moment it was located to its capsizing, covered a distance of approximately 30 nautical miles,ā€ the statement mentioned.

Survivors of a shipwreck sit at a warehouse at the port in Kalamata town. Photo: www.argolikeseidhseis.gr via AP.

Meanwhile, Reuters has reported that the suspected migrant smugglers are expected to face manslaughter charges in a Greek court this week, while Pakistan detained a dozen suspects over the disaster.

Lawyers for nine suspected smugglers held by Greece, all from Egypt, sought and were granted a postponement of their arraignment hearing to Tuesday morning, the semi-official Athens News Agency said.

Sources: Ekathimerini, Reuters.

greek film festival sydney new

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

The man for all jobs: How a Greek migrant turned setbacks into 7-figure success

When Christof Mantzanas stepped off the plane in Melbourne on 10 March 2015, he had just $1,000 in his pocket.

Jimmy’s Kitchen brings authentic Greek hospitality to The Rocks

Sydney diners can now experience the warmth, flavour, and soul of a traditional Greek taverna without the flight to Greece.

Greek Community of Melbourne enhances safety with defibrillator training seminar

The Greek Community of Melbourne (GCM) took a notable step towards enhancing community safety by organising a defibrillator training seminar.

Wills without the Trojan War

After nearly 15 years in the legal industry, I’ve lost track of how many matters I’ve worked on involving family disputes over estates.

From tech to health: Greek Australians driving innovation in 2025

Australia’s Top 100 Innovators celebrate those who turn setbacks into breakthroughs. This year, three Greek Australians are among them.

You May Also Like

Spectral Smyrna in Izmir

'There is something about travel to our lost homelands that creates spectral yearnings in me,' writes Alexander Billinis about his Smyrna trip

Greek Finance Minister: Greece seeks to extend Double Taxation Agreement with Australia

Christos Staikouras announced that Greece will strive to expand its network of Double Taxation Avoidance Agreements (DTAA) with Australia.

Frontex investigates alleged human rights violations by Greece

The European Union’s border protection agency, Frontex, announced on Tuesday, April 8, that it is investigating multiple allegations.