Greek maritime authorities have launched an investigation into a ferry accident near southern Evia, where a vessel carrying more than 100 people ran aground on a rocky islet Tuesday evening. The incident occurred during a routine route between Nea Styra and Agia Marina.

According to the Ministry of Shipping, the captain of the ferry Panagia Paravouniotissa failed to inform the relevant authorities after the vessel struck the islet known as Glaros at around 6:50 pm local time. Instead, a passenger alerted the coast guard, prompting a coordinated rescue effort.

Evacuation Efforts and Passenger Accounts

The ferry was carrying 105 passengers and 9 crew members, all of whom were safely transferred to shore with the help of private vessels and coast guard units. No injuries were reported, and the vessel only sustained a minor water ingress, which was later controlled.

The evacuation began around 19:10, coordinated by the Joint Search and Rescue Coordination Center, and involved five private boats and another passenger ferry. The coast guard’s vessels arrived at the scene within the hour.

However, passengers have since criticized the crew’s response, claiming that they were not informed about the emergency.

“We received no instructions,” said one passenger. “No one told us what was going on—we found the life vests ourselves.”

Another passenger described the chaotic evacuation, stating that they were told to use a household metal ladder to disembark.

“There was no announcement from the speakers. A woman from the bar came and told us to take the children down to the car deck,” the passenger added.

Official Response and Legal Inquiry

In a statement, the Ministry of Shipping confirmed that the captain did not notify authorities about the grounding, as is required by protocol. The Karystos Port Authority is now conducting a preliminary investigation, and the public prosecutor has been notified.

The ministry detailed the timeline, confirming that while the vessel departed Nea Styra at 6:30 pm, the first report of the incident was received by a civilian just one minute after the grounding. It took the coast guard over 10 minutes to establish contact with the captain.