Greece's state ombudsman has announced the launch of an independent investigation into the coast guard's handling of a tragic maritime incident in June, where hundreds of migrants are believed to have drowned while attempting to reach Europe. The decision to launch this investigation comes after the Greek coast guard denied the ombudsman's requests for a disciplinary investigation.

The Council of Europe, the continent's leading human rights group, has voiced its support for an independent probe to establish responsibility and provide justice. A military court is currently conducting a preliminary investigation into the shipwreck, in which 104 survivors and 78 bodies were recovered. The court is also handling a lawsuit filed by 40 survivors who accuse the coast guard of failing to prevent the tragedy.

Activists, along with human rights organizations, have criticized the coast guard's handling of the operation, despite a patrol boat being present during the incident. The coast guard has claimed that the sinking resulted from a mass movement of people on deck, leading to the vessel overturning. However, survivors have disputed this account, suggesting that the ship sank during a failed towing attempt. The ombudsman has emphasized the need for transparency in how Greek authorities handled the operation.