The Greek coast guard, migration ministry and other officials did not respond to requests for comment ahead of the shipwreck anniversary. Authorities had a coast guard boat on the scene and merchant ships in the vicinity during the trawler's last hours. And they insist that offers to take the migrants off the ship were rebuffed by people set on reaching Italy. The coast guard has denied any towing attempt, and allegations that its vessel tried to shift the trawler into neighbouring Italy's area of responsibility. Without examining evidence for or against them, it determined that Greece lacked jurisdiction as the wreck occurred in international waters.

Source: The North Africa Journal June 13, 2024 05:49 UTC