The day before the boat accident off the Greek coast, which led to hundreds of deaths about two weeks ago, the EU border protection agency had already discovered the heavily overcrowded boat during a flight over the search and rescue zone in international waters. That’s what a Frontex statement says. “Frontex immediately informed the Greek and Italian authorities about the sighting and sent them information about the condition of the ship, speed and photos.” The plane also stayed over the boat until it ran out of fuel and had to return to its base, Frontex said.
Since a drone from the border protection agency was supposed to check the Aegean Sea on the same day, Frontex offered additional support before the planned and already scheduled flight. The Greek authorities have asked to send the drone to another search and rescue operation south of Crete, where 80 people are in danger. When asked by the AFP news agency, Frontex is said to have announced that “Offered additional air support but received no response”..
After the drone was present at the incident, it flew back to the first boat, where it arrived at 4:05 a.m. when the Greek Coast Guard’s large-scale rescue operation was already underway. No Frontex plane or boat was on site at the time of the tragedy, Frontex said.
The approximately 30 meter long and rusted fishing boat capsized and went under on the morning of June 14 about 50 nautical miles (about 92 kilometers) off the southwestern coast of Greece. It had last set sail from Libya and had Italy as its destination. Up to 700 people are said to have been on board, including many children. 104 men survived, several hundred people probably died, even if only 82 dead have been recovered so far.
Allegations have already been made against the Greek coast guard of not having helped people in distress. The Greek authorities reject this. Statements by survivors contradict the Coast Guard’s account that the boat set course for Italy and that offers of help were refused.