The evidence obtained about the tragic capsizing of the migrant boat, which possibly claimed hundreds of lives, shows that the information from the Greek coast guard could be inaccurate, writes the BBC.
An analysis of vessel movements in the area available to the BBC shows that the overcrowded fishing vessel was stationary for at least seven hours before it capsized. Meanwhile, Greece’s Coast Guard says the boat continued its way to Italy and did not require assistance. The Greek authorities have not yet commented on the information obtained by the media.
At least 78 people died, and another 500 are still missing.
The BBC has obtained computer animation with traffic information provided by the platform Marine Traffic. The platform’s data shows several hours of activity in a small, specific area in the sea where the migrant ship later sank.
The border guard of the European Union, Frontex, has reported that the migrant ship was first spotted on Tuesday, the 13th of June, around 8 in the morning GMT. The first report of problems was received at the Alarm Phone emergency line at 12.17 in the noon.
Marine Traffic animation shows Lucky Sailor making a sharp turn north at 3 in the afternoon. The ship’s owner confirmed to the BBC that
at this point the Coast Guard asked to approach the migrant ship and hand out water and food.
At six in the evening, the ship Faithful Warrior was directed to the migrants and distributed food and water to the migrants.
Greek officials have informed that between 7.40 and 10.40 in the evening migrant boat maintained its course and speed. The government representative later stated that the coast guard tried to get on board the migrant ship to assess the situation but those on board removed the rope.
The entire
movement happened in a small area within seven hours, which means that the migrant ship was almost stationary.
The scale of the map shows that it has moved only a few nautical miles, which is expected when a crowded boat is under the wind.
However, Greece still says the ship did not need help and continued on its way. At 11 in the evening, the boat sank, and the animation shows the rapid movement of ships as they rushed to help.