One year ago today, on 14th June 2023, a ship carrying an estimated 750 people capsized off the coast of Pylos. Only 104 people survived. 82 bodies were recovered, but only 58 were identified.
This was an unspeakable tragedy. For hundreds of families, this will be an incredibly painful anniversary. We’re thinking of them and the survivors of that awful night.
A year on, the Greek Naval Court’s investigation into the role of the Hellenic Coast Guard has hardly progressed.
In the absence of any credible official investigation, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch produced an excellent report 6 months ago based on interviews with survivors and relatives of those who are still missing, as well as the Greek authorities.
This report raises very serious questions about the official accounts of what happened.
The anniversary of this tragedy is a time to remember everyone who has been killed while trying to reach Europe and the UK.
Our border policies kill. And people will continue to lose their lives until we offer viable safe routes for people forced to flee home.
In the UK, that has to be our demand of our politicians for the upcoming election.
