Passenger Ferry Crashes into Cargo Ship in Crete

A passenger ferry collided with a cargo vessel at Souda Port in Crete on Tuesday morning, prompting a full investigation into the incident after what authorities described as a potentially serious maritime accident.

Video footage obtained by Greek broadcaster ERT captured the moment the two vessels closed in on each other before the collision became unavoidable, leaving passengers watching in shock.

The passenger ferry Elyros struck the port side of the bow of the cargo vessel Iosif K., causing significant damage to the smaller ship.

At the time of the collision, Elyros had departed Chania carrying 100 passengers, 32 private vehicles and 74 truckson a scheduled voyage to Piraeus. Meanwhile, Iosif K. was manoeuvring to berth at the port.

Crew members aboard the cargo vessel reportedly panicked because the ship was transporting 89 vehicles, including 14 fuel tankers, raising fears of a much more serious disaster.

Despite the impact, authorities confirmed that no injuries were reported. Following safety inspections, Elyros later resumed its voyage to Piraeus.

Retired Admiral Nikos Spanos said it was too early to assign responsibility, stressing that investigators must examine all communications and the instructions issued by the port’s vessel traffic control centre.

George Vallis, President of the Panhellenic Union of Private and Professional Yacht Crews, said departures and arrivals are coordinated by port authorities. He questioned whether approval had been granted simultaneously for one vessel to leave while the other entered the harbour, noting that large ships have limited ability to avoid collisions once manoeuvres are underway.

Greek Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias ordered a formal administrative inquiry into the incident.

“In matters of safety, there is absolutely no tolerance,” Kikilias said, directing the Hellenic Coast Guard to conduct a full investigation into the causes of the collision.

The Hellenic Coast Guard has opened a case file and continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident, including whether any operational errors contributed to the collision.

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