The Review Court has requested the initiation of criminal proceedings against the head of the Hellenic Coast Guard, Tryfon Kontizas, along with three additional officers, in relation to the Pylos shipwreck.
On the day of the incident, Kontizas held a senior operational role as Director of the Security and Policing Division of the Coast Guard. The charges include multiple counts of negligent homicide by omission and multiple counts of exposure to danger by omission, in connection with a legal obligation to rescue individuals who were left helpless, resulting in loss of life.
Kontizas’ name appeared in a report by the Greek Ombudsman, which found indications of culpability regarding his handling of the incident that led to the shipwreck.
Earlier this year, in May, charges had already been filed against 17 Coast Guard members. However, an initial ruling had dismissed charges against Kontizas and other senior staff on the grounds that they did not hold direct operational authority over the Joint Rescue Coordination Center at the time of the shipwreck. Survivors and family members of victims challenged that ruling, submitting an appeal that has now led to a reversal.
Before he assumed the position of Coast Guard Chief in March, Kontizas was already named in a report by the Greek Ombudsman, which identified indications of improper handling of the rescue operation.
Additionally, reporting in February by News 24/7 revealed recorded Coast Guard communications from the day of the incident, raising serious questions about the decisions and actions taken before the fishing vessel carrying approximately 750 migrants sank.
Sources: News 247, Εφημερίδα των Συντακτών
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