A prosecutorial investigation has been ordered into the death of the 20-year-old sailor on the “Blue Star Chios.” Additionally, the two arrested individuals who were brought before the Piraeus First Instance Prosecutor’s Office have been temporarily released.
Coast Guard announcement
“Regarding the death of a 20-year-old sailor aboard the passenger-cargo vessel “BLUE STAR CHIOS” N.P. 10883 in Piraeus, the two arrested individuals were brought today before the Piraeus First Instance Prosecutor’s Office and were temporarily released, while a preliminary investigation was ordered.”
It is recalled that the Coast Guard authorities proceeded with the arrest of the Captain and Chief Engineer of the passenger-cargo ferry “Blue Star Chios” N.P. 10883, following the fatal injury of a 20-year-old crew member. The two arrested individuals are charged with violating Article 302 of the Penal Code (“Manslaughter by negligence”) and were brought before the prosecutor.
The tragic incident occurred in the morning hours when the young sailor, working as a cleaner, became trapped in a watertight door of the ship during the scheduled Rhodes-Piraeus route with intermediate stops in Chalki, Diafani, Karpathos, Kasos, Anafi, and Santorini.
Upon arrival at Piraeus port, the unfortunate sailor was picked up by an ambulance and transported to “Tzaneio” General Hospital of Piraeus, where his death was confirmed. The preliminary investigation is being conducted by the 1st Port Section of Tzelepis of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus.
The young man’s last communication with his friend
The last conversation with a friend of the 20-year-old Tasos, who was crushed by the watertight door on his first ship assignment with the Blue Star Chios has come to light. “Maybe I won’t be able to handle it?” the unfortunate young man wondered just days before starting work on the ships. As revealed by the 20-year-old engine cleaner’s cousin, the 20-year-old, who had celebrated his birthday just two days earlier, had recently communicated via video call with a friend. “How are you?” the friend had asked him, with 20-year-old Tasos responding: “friend, you see? I’m managing.”
The 20-year-old Tasos, as his cousin said, speaking to MEGA, “when he started his job he wondered ‘maybe I won’t be able to handle it,’ but eventually said ‘I can handle it, I can do it, things are going well for me here.'” The local community in the village of Drosia, Evia, where the 20-year-old was from and where his family lives, remains shocked, still unable to believe that he lost his life.
According to sources, the 20-year-old, who attended a private school in Piraeus, wanted to work in maritime industries. He wanted to work on ships and at sea, which he loved so much. However, when he was heading to the ship’s engine room, he reportedly opened the door, entered, and became trapped as the door closed on him, resulting in him being crushed.
Tragedy on Blue Star Chios: What initial assessments indicate
Initial assessments suggest that part of his clothing got caught in the door, preventing him from getting free before the door closed. Immediately after the ship’s arrival in Piraeus, an ambulance was called, which picked up the injured person and transported him to the hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, it was not possible to save his life.
Blue Star Ferries: The company’s condolence message to the 20-year-old’s family
“The Management and employees of Blue Star Ferries express our devastation and sincere condolences to our colleague’s family, beside whom we stand from the first moment, providing every possible support.
In this difficult time, all of us also stand beside our crews with respect and solidarity.
Today’s Blue Star Chios sailing from Piraeus to Rhodes will not be executed.”
Earlier today, the company issued the following update: “This morning at 08:00, on the Blue Star Chios which was operating the Rhodes – Piraeus route, a crew member was found –unconscious– trapped in a watertight sliding door.
The ship’s crew immediately proceeded with the rescue and provided first aid.
Immediately after the ship’s arrival at Piraeus port at 09:15, the sailor was picked up by an ambulance for transport to hospital where his death was confirmed.
The Blue Star family is shocked and expresses its support to the sailor’s relatives.
The company is cooperating with the competent Authorities to investigate the circumstances of the tragic incident.”
