Piraeus, Greece – A tragic incident at Piraeus port on Tuesday evening has resulted in the death of a 36-year-old man, prompting authorities to detain the captain and deck officer of the Blue Horizon ferry.
The disturbing incident, captured in a widely circulated video on social media, portrays members of the ship’s crew engaged in a physical altercation with the man as he attempts to board the vessel. The Blue Horizon was preparing to depart for the port of Iraklio, Crete. The video footage shows crew members forcefully pushing the victim off the ferry’s ramp and into the sea, where he tragically fell between the ramp and the pier.
The lifeless body of the man was later discovered in the water, leading authorities to instruct the Blue Horizon to return to Piraeus immediately.
Officials from the Ministry of Shipping have announced that they will diligently collect depositions related to the incident at the central port authority of Piraeus. This comprehensive process will include statements from eyewitnesses and the ship’s crew, forming a crucial part of the ongoing investigation.
Attica Group, the ship-owning company, issued a statement in the early hours of Wednesday expressing profound shock over the tragic incident. They pledged wholehearted cooperation with all competent authorities to conduct a thorough and transparent investigation into the matter.
In response to the incident, Shipping Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis conveyed his condolences via a message posted on the X social media platform. He emphasized that all necessary measures are being taken to ensure full accountability for the tragedy.
According to reports from the public broadcaster ERT, the company has made the decision to replace the entire crew. The Blue Horizon will resume its journey to Crete once the depositions of the passengers have been collected, prioritizing their safety and well-being.
This deeply unfortunate incident casts a somber shadow over the otherwise routine operations of the Blue Horizon ferry. It underscores the urgency of a meticulous investigation to uncover the circumstances surrounding the tragic loss of life and to hold those responsible accountable.
