Passengers from the Panagia Paravouniotissa ferry, which ran aground near Nea Styra in Evia, are filing lawsuits seeking compensation for damages, lost income and emotional distress. The captain, currently in custody, is also under criminal investigation and is set to appear before a prosecutor today.
According to his statement, the grounding occurred due to a steering failure that prevented him from avoiding a reef. However, initial inspections by marine surveyors found no evidence of any malfunction, contradicting his account.
Rapid Recovery Operation
The ferry was freed and moved to Nea Styra’s new port in what authorities described as a record-time salvage operation. The effort involved a Coast Guard vessel, two tugboats, and an anti-pollution ship. The vessel will now be examined by specialists to determine the exact cause of the accident.
Passengers remain concerned about their belongings, including vehicles left onboard since Tuesday night, saying they have yet to receive official updates on their status.
Shipowner Responds to Claims
In a statement, the vessel’s owner, Deligiannis Ferries, reserved the right to take legal action against what it called unfounded allegations and defamatory remarks. The company confirmed it had submitted a plan for the ship’s sealing, towing, and unloading of passenger vehicles before repairs at a shipyard.
Ongoing Investigation
Authorities continue to investigate both the technical and human factors behind the incident, with final findings expected once expert assessments are complete. In the meantime, legal proceedings from both criminal and civil fronts are set to unfold in the coming days.
