Report by Greek broadcaster: One of 9 men arrested in migrant boat capsizing admits to role in smuggling

One of nine men arrested and accused of felony charges in relation to this week’s deadly capsizing of an overloaded migrant boat off southwest Greece has reportedly confessed to his role, according to a report circulated by national broadcaster ERT.

The nine are described as Egyptian nationals, with ages ranging from roughly 20 to 40.

The same report has the man confirming that the dilapidated fishing trawler first disembarked from Egypt. More tellingly, he also provided testimony as to what occurred during the ill-fated vessel journey up until the moment it capsized in the early morning hours of Wednesday.

The other eight suspects have denied any involvement as migrant smugglers. The men are being held in a lockup at the harbor corps station in the coastal city of Kalamata, sans one suspect, who remains hospitalized under guard.

The nine face felony charges of, among others, causing a shipwreck, establishing a criminal organization and involuntary manslaughter.

They are due to face an investigating magistrate or prosecutor on Monday for a first statement in the capacity as an arrested suspect.