Several ferries remained moored at the port of Piraeus on Saturday morning despite the absence of a general sailing ban by port authorities, causing significant disruption for hundreds of passengers seeking alternative ways to travel.

Citing adverse weather conditions in the preceding hours, some ferry operators opted to cancel scheduled routes on their own initiative. As a result, large numbers of passengers gathered at the port, many traveling with pets and heavy luggage, attempting to contact ferry companies for information on alternative arrangements and the next available departures.

Ferries Unable to Dock in Milos

Strong winds also prevented two ferries, Knossos Palace and Festos Palace, from docking at the port of Milos. A total of 1,641 passengers aboard the vessels are now awaiting alternative routes to reach their destinations, with no clear timetable or travel plan announced.

The Knossos Palace was operating the Piraeus–Milos–Heraklion route, while the Festos Palace had departed Piraeus bound for Milos and Heraklion. The passenger and vehicle ferry Festos Palace set sail at 21:00 on Friday, carrying 1,002 passengers, 179 private vehicles, 10 motorcycles, one bus or truck, and 112 freight trucks.

After repeated attempts to dock in Milos proved unsuccessful, the captain decided, for safety reasons, to continue the voyage directly to Crete, bypassing the scheduled stop on the island.