An incident of assault on an elderly man by a 36-year-old in the garage of the ship “Ariadne” during docking at Souda port became the reason for the “dismissal” of the Chania Harbor Master, Nektarios Giannoulakis, following an order from the Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias. Following a related MEGA report, Mr. Giannoulakis was removed from his duties, as a disciplinary investigation was ordered against him for omissions in the entire process.
But are things really as they seem, or is there something different behind the case of the Chania Harbor Master? This question arises as it is revealed through related documents that the Coast Guard staff in Chania did their job excellently, exposing the minister himself!
Chania harbor master: The written evidence
A series of documents proving that the Harbor Authority staff in Chania and the Harbor Master acted as they should, on the very day of the incident, October 22, were made public. The date appears clearly on all related documents, including the bulletin revealed by PARAKRITIKA.GR, completely undermining what the Ministry and Mr. Kikilias claim in their announcement.
Moreover, while the Minister states that the Harbor Master did not properly inform authorities, it is proven that the bulletin seeking the 36-year-old assault perpetrator, after he was identified, was communicated to the Chania Court Prosecutor’s Office, and – most importantly – to three Maritime Ministry Services (Operations Center, Security Directorate, and 7th Regional Coast Guard Administration).
Political infighting over Chania harbor master
The “dismissal” of Mr. Giannoulakis led to a confrontation between Chania MP Dora Bakogianni of New Democracy and the Maritime Minister.
Ms. Bakogianni characterized Mr. Kikilias as “arrogant” and “impulsive” in an interview with SKAI, emphasizing that the Chania Harbor Master has the full support of the local community. She added that Mr. Kikilias’s behavior wrongs an entire government. “Power is exercised with humanity and dignity, not with orders. I am very sorry about this incident because it has caused tremendous upheaval! Wherever you go in Chania today, they will tell you this is unfair! People’s track record proves their worth, and this man’s track record proves it, so we are talking about restoring justice.”
Responding and maintaining his position, Mr. Kikilias noted that the disciplinary investigation was ordered because the Harbor Master violated the relevant Coast Guard regulations regarding immediate notification of superiors and immediate formation of case files (something that is contradicted by the evidence that has come to light).
Deputy Migration and Asylum Minister Sevi Voloudaki spoke warmly about Mr. Giannoulakis’s contribution and handling of migration issues, emphasizing that a “misunderstanding” must be resolved and he should return to his duties. “Judging by Mr. Giannoulakis, I believe he did what he had to do,” she noted.
On the same wavelength was Chania New Democracy MP Alexandros Markogiannakis, who characterized Kikilias’s decision as unfair and hasty!
Chania stands by the harbor master
The local government in its entirety has issued announcements and resolutions regarding Mr. Giannoulakis’s “dismissal.”
Chania Deputy Regional Governor Nikos Kalogeris characterized Mr. Giannoulakis as a worthy officer who did not deserve this treatment. He added that a very bad message is being sent to all those who do their job well that they… “risk” losing it, while announcing that a relevant letter will be sent to Mr. Kikilias to reverse his decision.
Chania Mayor Panagiotis Simandirakis was scathing against Kikilias, demanding the Minister reverse his decision, especially after the written evidence came to light. Mr. Simandirakis communicated with both Mr. Kikilias and the Coast Guard Chief, emphasizing that this is an unfair decision against a worthy officer, adding that there may be other motives behind this “dismissal order” of Mr. Giannoulakis. “The Minister should act with courage and sobriety and send the right message… Those who are faithful to their duty should be honored, not pilloried,” he emphasized.
The mayors of Apokoronas, Sfakia, and Gavdos also issued announcements, along with many organizations (Eastern and Western Crete Coast Guard Associations, Chania Firefighters Association, Bar Association, etc.), while truck owners are threatening to close Souda port.
Victim’s lawyer contradicts Kikilias
As attorney for the victim of the violent assault and dangerous bodily harm incident that took place aboard the Piraeus-Chania line ship on 22-10-2025, because I understand from the development of events that this incident has unjustly become grounds for the removal of the Chania harbor master, I declare that my client approached the Central Harbor Authority of Chania where he reported the incident and was informed of his right to file a complaint, a procedure that took place at 9:00 AM by depositing the relevant fee.
He was subsequently informed by the officer conducting the preliminary investigation that he should visit Chania hospital for medical treatment and medical opinion.
Immediately after, his wife was called and gave testimony as a witness, as well as crew member(s).
Subsequently, he was informed that a bulletin was submitted for the arrest of the perpetrator within the framework of the flagrant procedure and the Chania Court Prosecutor’s Office was notified.
My client requests that responsibilities be attributed to the perpetrator as well as to the ship’s crew members and the shipowning company.
He never expressed any complaint about the handling of his incident by members of the Coast Guard and considers any use of this incident to dismiss any member of the Chania Harbor Authority unfair.
The attorney
Dimitra Zafeiri
General inspector “audits” Chania harbor authority
General Inspector Rear Admiral Christos Papakonstantinou arrived in Chania to audit the Harbor Authority for three consecutive days!!!
The high-ranking officer has been in Chania since Wednesday morning and began thoroughly examining the Service, naturally causing bewilderment among all Coast Guard staff. What he is looking for is known only to him, Coast Guard Chief Tryfon Kontizas, and Mr. Kikilias. If he finds anything, of course…
There was communication with the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy regarding this matter, receiving the response that the Minister is aware of everything, but currently there is no new announcement.
