Livestock farmers blocked operations at the port of Mitilini, disrupting ferry traffic and leaving hundreds of passengers stranded amid growing protests over government measures linked to livestock disease.

The protest forced a delay in the departure of the ferry Nissos Samos on Tuesday, which eventually left the port more than an hour late with only about 200 passengers on board—mostly soldiers on leave and individuals traveling for urgent health reasons.

Port blockade halts travel

Earlier, groups of farmers occupied the port area and blocked the ship’s loading ramp, preventing the normal boarding of passengers, vehicles, and cargo.

As a result, hundreds of travelers were unable to board the ferry, while all trucks and private vehicles scheduled to depart were left behind.

Farmers cite economic pressure

The protesters, primarily livestock breeders, say restrictions imposed to contain the spread of foot-and-mouth disease have severely impacted their livelihoods.

They report being unable to sell milk and meat, with the market effectively frozen and no compensation provided. According to the farmers, these conditions are pushing many operations to the brink of collapse.

Protests set to continue

Tensions are expected to persist, as demonstrators have already announced plans to return to the port on Wednesday. They aim to block the unloading of vehicles and trucks from incoming ferries, signaling further disruption in the coming days.