Survivors' Allegations and Investigations Raise Doubts in Greek Coastguard's Role in Capsizing Tragedy

 Survivors Accuse Greek Coastguards of Deliberate Sinking as Controversy Deepens 

The harrowing incident involving a boat capsizing off the coast of Greece has sparked controversy and raised questions about the actions of Greek coastguards. Pakistani survivors who were aboard the ill-fated vessel have come forward, alleging that the ship was intentionally sunk and no rescue efforts were made. This account contradicts the Greek government's version of events, prompting independent investigations to poke holes in their narrative. The survivors' chilling testimony and corroborating evidence shed light on the inhumanity experienced in the final hours leading up to the tragic incident.

Survivors Blame Greek Coastguards

In the aftermath of the capsizing, Pakistani survivors of the boat have accused Greek coastguards of deliberately sinking the vessel. One survivor boldly stated, "They have done this [on purpose]. They had sunk it themselves." These survivors recounted how their ship had been adrift for five days and six nights before suddenly sinking "in a minute." They questioned why they had not encountered any trouble for five days and raised doubts about the sudden sinking.

Allegations of Sabotage

According to the survivors, the ship's engine had broken down, leaving them stranded for almost a week. They claimed that the boat sank because of a one-maund rope (a heavy rope) thrown into the vessel. Their shocking account revealed the presence of two high-speed boats, one cargo boat, and one receiving ship in the vicinity, but they alleged that no assistance was provided despite the dire situation.

Independent Investigation Contradicts Official Account

An independent investigation conducted by the BBC has cast doubt on the Greek authorities' version of events. Analyzing the movement of other ships in the area, the investigation revealed that the ill-fated boat remained stationary for at least seven hours before it sank. This finding contradicts the Greek authorities' claims that the vessel was on course to Italy and did not require rescuing. Despite these revelations, the Greek authorities have not responded to the BBC's findings.

European Union's Response

Frontex, the European Union's border force, reported that they first spotted the ship and promptly informed the Greek authorities. Alarm Phone, an emergency hotline for distressed migrants at sea, received a call indicating the boat was in distress. Despite these alerts, survivors allege that no rescue efforts were made, further fueling the controversy surrounding the Greek coastguards' actions.

The Plight of Pakistani Migrants

The tragedy sheds light on the dire situation faced by Pakistani migrants and their desperate attempts to seek a better life in Europe. Pakistan's economic crisis, characterized by mismanagement, political instability, and a dire downturn, has driven many to consider perilous and illegal routes. Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif of Pakistan expressed deep sorrow over the incident and pledged severe punishment for those involved in human trafficking.

Inhumane Treatment and Fatal Consequences

A UK-based newspaper report highlights the maltreatment suffered by Pakistani nationals aboard the vessel. It suggests that women and children were confined below deck, ostensibly for their protection, while men crowded the overcrowded vessel. Disturbingly, the report claims that people in search of freshwater or attempting to escape were subjected to further mistreatment. Even before the boat sank, six deaths had occurred due to a lack of fresh water, underscoring the bleak conditions endured by those aboard.

Calls for Justice

The tragic incident has prompted calls for justice and accountability. Survivors and activists emphasize that the people on board cried out for help, urging any authorities to come to their rescue. With an estimated 300 Pakistanis potentially among the victims, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif declared a national day of mourning to honor those who perished.

The testimonies of Pakistani survivors and the independent investigations into the capsizing of a boat off the coast of Greece have exposed a troubling account of deliberate sinking and lack of rescue efforts. As scrutiny intensifies, questions surrounding the actions of Greek coastguards persist. The tragic incident serves as a poignant reminder of the desperate situations faced by migrants and the urgent need for international collaboration to address the root causes of such human tragedies at sea.