- The Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship ran aground near northeastern Crete on July 24 while transporting plaster from Sitia to Lebanon.
- All 14 crew members were safely evacuated following a coordinated rescue operation involving the Coast Guard and local vessels.
- The ship’s captain and officer were arrested as part of an investigation, and earlier labor violations by the vessel had been reported and resolved.
Late on July 24, the general cargo ship ran aground off the northeastern coast of Crete, Greece. Built in 1994 and carrying 5,800 dwt, the 106-meter-long vessel was traveling from Sitia, Crete, to Chekka, Lebanon with a cargo of plaster. The grounding occurred around 11:30 p.m., approximately 6 nautical miles from Sitia and 3 nautical miles west of Sideros. Soon after, the ship began taking on water, prompting immediate emergency action, according to Marine Insight.
Evacuation and Rescue Operation
The Hellenic Coast Guard responded swiftly, dispatching three patrol boats and coordinating with local vessels. The Sitia Port Authority arranged for a fishing boat, ANNA-TASIA, to aid in the evacuation. With help from other fishing boats, private crafts, and passing ships, all 14 crew members were safely rescued and transported to the port of Sitia without any injuries reported.
Salvage Efforts and Environmental Concerns
Three tugboats—Achilleas, Captain Dimitris IV, and Mentoras—were dispatched from Heraklion to assist in the salvage operation, with a fourth tugboat on the way for further technical support. Divers were also deployed to examine the ship and the seabed. Authorities have confirmed there are no signs of marine pollution so far, though the area continues to be monitored closely to prevent any environmental harm.
Legal Action and Ongoing Investigation
Greek authorities have initiated a preliminary investigation led by the Sitia Port Authority. The ship’s captain and the bridge watch officer have been arrested. They are being investigated under Greek laws for causing a shipwreck and for failing to follow collision-avoidance protocols. These charges fall under Article 277, paragraph 2 of the Penal Code and Article 225 of the Public Maritime Law Code.
Past Labor Violations
Earlier in the year, the Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship had come under scrutiny for labor violations. According to the International Labour Organisation, the crew had received only partial payment—about half their wages over a four-month period—resulting in nearly $18,500 owed. This issue was eventually resolved, though it raised prior concerns about the ship’s operational standards.
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Source: Marine Insight
