BRUSSELS, July 26 (KUNA) -- European Union Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly Wednesday opened an inquiry aimed at clarifying the EU coastguard agency Frontex's role in search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean sea following the drowning of hundreds of people off the coast of Greece on 14 June.
Up to 750 people including many Pakistanis were on board the fishing vessel Adriana. According to media reports, only 104 survived while 82 bodies were recovered.
O'Reilly in a press release today said she has asked to inspect a wide range of documents concerning Frontex's responsibilities to rescue those in distress at seas, including the formal report about how events unfolded with the Adriana boat as well as reports of the other recent incidents involving considerable loss of life in the Mediterranean.
She has also asked for details about how information about search and rescue operations is shared between Frontex and EU national authorities and whether Frontex has a say on how these operations are designed or implemented.
"While the Greek authorities' role is being investigated at the national level, Frontex's role in search and rescue operation also needs to be clarified. It has been reported that in this instance Frontex alerted the Greek authorities to the ship's presence and offered assistance but it is not clear what else it could or should have done," said Ms O'Reilly.
"Migration to Europe will continue and it is up to the EU to ensure that it acts in a way that maintains fundamental rights and does not lose sight of the human suffering that compels people to seek a better life beyond their home countries," said the Ombudsman.
O'Reilly said she also plans to ask for more information regarding the recent EU deal with Tunisia on border management, including how the human rights impact of certain activities covered by the agreement will be assessed. (end) nk.mt