A Sierra Leone-flagged cargo ship ran aground late on July 24 near the northeastern coast of Crete, triggering a large-scale emergency response and resulting in the arrest of the captain and the watch officer.
The vessel was carrying a load of plaster from the port of Sitia, Crete, bound for Chekka, Lebanon, when it ran aground around 11:30 p.m. local time. The incident occurred approximately 6 nautical miles from Sitia and 3 nautical miles west of Sideros. Following the grounding, the ship began taking on water.
As a result, an immediate evacuation was ordered. The Hellenic Coast Guard deployed three patrol boats, while the Sitia Port Authority sent personnel aboard a fishing vessel. Additional support came also from nearby fishing boats, private crafts and passing ships.
Furthermore, three tugboats from Heraklion were dispatched to assist with the salvage operation. Divers have also been sent to assess the condition of both the ship and the reef.
According to the reports, no signs of marine pollution have been detected, but authorities are closely monitoring the situation to prevent environmental damage. The Sitia Port Authority is conducting a preliminary investigation.
Both the captain and the bridge watch officer have been detained for causing a shipwreck and violating maritime safety regulations.