The captain of the ferry that ran aground on rocks near Nea Styra, Evia on Tuesday afternoon, August 5, causing major distress to 114 passengers including several children, claimed in his defense that he didn’t see the rocks and that the ship’s rudders had jammed. The captain remains in custody following an order by the investigating judge at Chalkida Port Authority for causing shipwreck due to negligence.
Nea Styra Evia: Ferry refloating operation continues 20 hours after grounding
Nearly 20 hours after the negligent shipwreck incident at Nea Styra, the operation to refloat the ferry that ran aground on rocks in the sea area off Nea Styra continues. The incident caused major distress to a total of 114 passengers, including several children.
For the refloating operation, tugboats have rushed to the scene, attempting to heel the vessel – following the list it took after striking the rocks – to facilitate the process. Two Coast Guard vessels are on site, along with an offshore rescue ship.
Ministry of Maritime Affairs reports ferry company to prosecutor
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs earlier informed the prosecutor about the ferry company’s negligence, reporting that 14 hours have passed since the incident and the company has not proceeded with the required refloating and salvage operations.
Specifically, the statement reads: “Until this morning, no specialized company has been assigned to develop and submit a Refloating and Salvage Plan for approval, which raises serious concerns for safeguarding citizens’ property and protecting the marine environment.”
The announcement
The Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy regarding yesterday’s grounding accident at Nea Styra, Evia, announces that:
1. The Ministry informed the competent Prosecutor about the failure of the owner company of the passenger ferry “PANAGIA PARAVOUNIOTISSA” to respond to the required refloating and salvage operations, although more than 14 hours have already passed since the incident.
Until this morning, no specialized company has been assigned to develop and submit a Refloating and Salvage Plan for approval, which raises serious concerns for safeguarding citizens’ property and protecting the marine environment.
2. It is reminded that yesterday, when the accident occurred, the Captain did not inform the competent Authorities about the grounding as required. The Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC), after repeated attempts, managed to contact him by telephone approximately ten minutes after the incident. The Captain has already been detained by the competent Port Authority, which is conducting the required preliminary investigation.
