The cargo vessel MN Kostas, flying the flag of Sierra Leone, has partially sunk in the sea area of Kyriamadi, near Sitia, Crete, about three nautical miles west of Cape Sideros. The ship had run aground on a reef on July 24.
The Port Authority of Sitia, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, has classified the MN Kostas as a wreck and ordered its removal at the expense of the ship’s managing company, as its position and condition pose a navigational hazard. The company has been formally notified.
Fuel and cargo removed
Authorities confirmed that all fuel, lubricants, and the vessel’s cargo of gypsum soil were successfully offloaded. Ventilation and ballast points on the ship were sealed using tugboats, salvage vessels, floating cranes, and an auxiliary cargo vessel.
A floating containment boom was deployed around the ship, with additional anti-pollution equipment placed both at the grounding site and at the port of Sitia. Officials reported no signs of marine pollution during the operations.
Salvage operation details
The salvage company SEAGATE managed the pumping and recovery effort, deploying two tugboats — Kaptain Dimitris IV and Kaptain Dimitris III — both equipped with environmental protection and pumping systems, along with the professional salvage vessel Aigaion Pelagos. The Aigaion Pelagos remained at the scene to safeguard navigation safety throughout the operation.
In total, approximately 37 tons of diesel fuel were removed, alongside hydrocarbons, lubricants, paints, and other hazardous substances. Most of the gypsum cargo was also offloaded.
Successful outcome
The coordinated salvage operation, carried out in close cooperation with the local Port Authority, prevented marine pollution in an environmentally sensitive and tourist-heavy area of Crete. Industry officials emphasized the importance of rapid response, technical expertise, and readiness of Greek salvage forces in safeguarding maritime safety.
Source: OT
