EU probes border agency's rescue role after migrant shipwreck killed hundreds

FILE PHOTO: An undated handout photo provided by the Hellenic Coast Guard shows migrants onboard a boat during a rescue operation, before their boat capsized on the open sea, off Greece, June 14, 2023. Hellenic Coast Guard/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The EU rights watchdog on Wednesday announced a probe into Europe's deadliest shipwreck in years and whether the bloc's Frontex border agency fulfilled its rescue duties when the boat sank off Greece last month killing hundreds of migrants.

European Ombudsman Emily O'Reilly said her office would review Frontex's internal rules, cooperation with Greek authorities and reports drawn up after the disaster, saying the deaths required close scrutiny.