Egyptians Accused in Deadly Shipwreck Case Released from Greek Jail

NAFPLIO, Greece — A group of Egyptians who had been jailed for nearly a year on suspicion of causing a deadly shipwreck have been released from jail in southern Greece, a day after a court dismissed the case against them due to lack of jurisdiction.

The men had been charged with being part of the crew of the Adriana, a severely overcrowded trawler that capsized and sank near Greece last June with an estimated 700 people on board. The boat, which was sailing from Libya to Italy, saw only 104 survivors from the tragedy.

The nine Egyptians were accused of causing the shipwreck. However, eight of them were released from a jail outside the city of Nafplio on Wednesday evening. They were transferred to a police station where they were to remain in custody overnight pending further procedures. The ninth individual was to be released from a different jail.

Survivors of the shipwreck and rights groups have accused the Greek coastguard of causing the disaster while attempting to tow the vessel away from Greece's zone of responsibility. The allegations have sparked controversy and calls for further investigation into the actions of the coastguard during the incident.

The court's decision to dismiss the case due to lack of jurisdiction has brought mixed reactions, with some advocating for the release of the men while others demand accountability for the tragic loss of life. The release of the nine Egyptians highlights ongoing issues surrounding migrant journeys across the Mediterranean and the responsibilities of various nations in ensuring safe passage and rescue operations.

As the released men await further procedures, the broader implications of the shipwreck and the accusations against the Greek coastguard continue to unfold, emphasizing the urgent need for international cooperation and effective maritime policies to prevent such tragedies in the future