The cargo ship “MN Kostas” -flying the Sierra Leone flag- which was spotted on Sunday (17/08), sank this morning after water ingress, with its bow protruding in shallow waters near Cape Sidero. It should be noted that yesterday the ship, which was anchored off Sitia, had already shown a visible list.
Read: Sitia: Half-sunken ship with Sierra Leone flag – No injuries reported
According to the relevant Coast Guard committee, the wreck has been classified as dangerous to navigation, while the ship-owning company is required to salvage it. According to information from the competent authorities, no injuries were recorded from the maritime accident, as the 14 sailors -from the cargo ship that was carrying gypsum from Sitia to Beirut and had run aground on a charted reef on the evening of July 24- were safely transported to Sitia.
Sitia: Preliminary investigation into the incident
It is noted that during the period that followed, specialized operations were carried out to pump out all fuel and lubricating oils, cargo unloading operations, as well as sealing of the ship’s ventilation and distribution points, using Tugboat-Salvage vessels, Floating Cranes and another Cargo ship. During the execution of the operations, a floating barrier was placed around the perimeter of the ship and additional anti-pollution equipment was put on immediate standby in the sea area of the grounding and in the port of Sitia, while no marine pollution was observed.
As announced by the Sitia Port Authority conducting the preliminary investigation, it was decided to remove the wreck at the responsibility of the management company, as due to its position it poses a maritime hazard. The company has been informed accordingly.
