Gale-force winds sweeping across the Aegean, gusting to Force 8 and 9 on the Beaufort scale, have prompted authorities to impose a sailing ban from the ports of Rafina and Lavrio. The Hellenic Coast Guard said the situation remains fluid, with cancellations and route changes continuing to be issued through the day.
Passengers traveling today are advised to check with local port authorities, ferry operators or travel agents before heading to the port, as schedules may change with little notice.
Ferries from the Port of Piraeus are, for the most part, operating normally, as are services to the Saronic Gulf islands. A handful of morning departures to the Cyclades and Crete did not go ahead, however. The Blue Star Paros, which had been scheduled to sail for Syros, Tinos and Mykonos, did not depart, leaving passengers stranded in Piraeus. The Coast Guard also confirmed that the Eurochampion Jet 2, bound for Syros, Mykonos, Naxos, Ios, Koufonisia and Santorini, and the Super Speed 4, bound for Paros, Naxos and Koufonisia, did not sail. The Champions League Jet 2, which was due to call at Syros, Tinos, Paros, Naxos, Santorini and Heraklion, was also canceled.
Other Piraeus services are operating under a “travel plan,” meaning the order in which a vessel calls at different ports may change, while in some cases a ferry may skip an island altogether. Operators said further changes to port approaches are possible as the weather develops.
Rafina has been hit hardest. Only the route to Marmari is currently running; the sailing ban for all other Cycladic destinations from the port remains in effect until 4 p.m.
No departures are taking place from the Port of Lavrio because of the strong winds. That suspension is also in force until 4 p.m.
Coast Guard officials said decisions on whether to run, modify or cancel additional sailings will continue to be made through the day as the weather conditions develop.
