Nea Styra: 20-Meter Crack Found in Ferry Boat After Grounding

Divers have discovered a 20-meter crack in the ferry boat that ran aground near Nea Styra while en route to Agia Marina. The process of detachment and towing is proving difficult.

The captain claimed that the rudders malfunctioned and he did not see the shoal. He has been charged with causing a shipwreck and has been detained.

The Ministry of Maritime Affairs has informed the Prosecutor about delays by the shipping company, as well as omissions that endangered the safety of passengers and environmental protection. Specifically, the captain did not inform the authorities, the crew did not inform the passengers, and the Operations Center was informed by citizens.

Experts will assess the extent of the damage, and there is a risk of the ship sinking.

Deputy Minister of Shipping St. Gkikas stated that the incident appears to be due to human error, as the shoal is well known and marked.