EU watchdog launches investigation into Frontex’s role in deadly Adriana shipwreck

Celina Ali

The European Union’s watchdog on Wednesday launched an investigation into the role Frontex played in one of the deadliest migrant shipwrecks in recent history.

Among the documents EU Ombudsman Emily O’Reilly has demanded access to is the formal report by the Union’s external border agency about how events unfolded when the Adriana boat sank on 14 June off the coast of Greece.

Up to 750 people were on board the fishing vessel. Only 104 survived while 82 bodies were recovered.

The tragedy reignited sharp criticism of the Greek coastguard as well as Frontex who are accused of not taking the necessary actions that could have prevented the shipwreck.

Frontex has said it offered assistance to the Greek authorities after the overcrowded boat was spotted but that both calls went unanswered. Greek authorities have meanwhile defended its operation — a single ship was sent but offered no assistance after the captain of the trawler reportedly refused help in order to continue sailing towards Italy.

An investigation has been launched at the national level but O’Reilly said in a statement that “Frontex’s role in search and rescue operation also needs to be clarified.”