Greek Coast Guard under fire: Missing camera data, conflicting testimonies, and new witness accounts in deadly Chios (Sakız) shipwreck

Serious questions are mounting over the actions of the Greek Coast Guard following a deadly shipwreck off the island of Chios that left at least 15 refugees dead, as new testimonies, missing camera recordings, and contradictions in official statements come to light.

A sailboat captain has now publicly stated that the Coast Guard approached his vessel silently and without warning just minutes before the fatal collision — using the same method survivors say was employed against the inflatable refugee boat. The testimony further undermines official claims that all safety protocols were followed.

Coast Guard Claims vs. Witness Accounts

According to sources, the crew of Coast Guard vessel LS-1077 continues to insist that the refugee boat suddenly altered course, causing the collision.

“The boat turned left, accelerated, and struck our vessel on the starboard side,” crew members reportedly testified, adding that warning signals were issued but ignored.

However, survivors and independent witnesses contradict this account. They claim no warning lights, no sirens, no flares, and no audible signals were used before the impact.

Camera Without a Memory Card

Adding to the controversy, the Coast Guard captain stated during testimony that:

• The vessel’s camera was thermal-only
• It did not contain a recording memory card
• No footage exists of the incident

He also claimed that the absence of written documentation in the ship’s log was due to an injury to his left hand, despite being right-handed.

Notably, the Coast Guard captain sustained a hand injury while holding the helm — a fact that casts doubt on claims that the accused refugee was steering the boat, as the latter showed no hand injuries at all.

Surprise Interception: Sailboat Captain’s Testimony

Just minutes before the tragedy, the Coast Guard reportedly approached a private sailboat using the same silent interception tactic.

The sailboat captain, whose testimony is in the possession of investigative journalists, described the encounter:

“I only heard an engine approaching from the coast. Then a powerful spotlight suddenly blinded us. After a while, the light went off and the patrol boat moved away.”

He later observed a second Coast Guard vessel closer to shore and assumed they had located a refugee boat.

The account directly contradicts Coast Guard assertions and raises concerns that surprise maneuvers — rather than de-escalation — are being used during maritime operations, in violation of international safety and human life protection protocols.

Moroccan National Detained Despite Conflicting Evidence

A 31-year-old Moroccan man has been placed in pretrial detention on felony charges including:

• Illegal transport of migrants
• Causing a shipwreck
• Illegal entry resulting in fatalities

His lawyers strongly dispute the charges, calling the detention “unjust and unsupported by evidence.”

According to defense attorney Alexis Georgoulis, at least six separate testimonies failed to identify the accused as the boat’s captain. One earlier identification was formally withdrawn.

“He insists he was a passenger, not the pilot,” Georgoulis stated.

The only testimony identifying him reportedly comes from a father whose children were seriously injured — and who has since been transferred to Athens under a special asylum protocol for shipwreck victims. If confirmed, the key witness may never appear in court.

Lawyers: “The Coast Guard Is Investigating Itself”

Defense attorney Dimitris Houlis expressed outrage:

“The officers responsible are free, while one of the victims is imprisoned. This is not the first time. We saw it in Pylos. The same pattern repeats.”

Houlis submitted video evidence from similar past incidents, alleging that ramming and forced interception are recurring Coast Guard practices.

A Pattern of Deadly Incidents

The Chios tragedy is not isolated.

Chios, October 2023: A Coast Guard patrol rammed a boat carrying Syrian refugees, killing a father of three. Audio and video evidence was never handed to judicial authorities.

Rhodes, December 2024: A Coast Guard vessel ran over a smuggling speedboat, killing eight people, seriously injuring four, and leaving a young girl missing.

In all cases, cameras were reportedly inactive, and responsibility was initially shifted onto the alleged “smugglers.”

Political Response and Growing Criticism

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis expressed general condolences but reiterated a hardline stance on border security and smugglers, while offering full support to the Coast Guard.

Critics point out that restrictive border policies push refugees into the hands of traffickers, while independent investigations into pushbacks and fatal maritime operations remain stalled or inconclusive.

International bodies — including Frontex’s Fundamental Rights Officer, the Greek Ombudsman, and the European Court of Human Rights — have increasingly flagged Greece for lack of transparency and accountability.