A 30-year-old captain of a passenger tourist boat has been arrested following a major fire that caused two tourist vessels to sink near the Greek island of Paxos, authorities said.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon in the sea area near the island’s old seaplane port. According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the first tourist boat arrived at the area while on fire, with all 18 passengers, who were US nationals, and the four crew members evacuated safely.
The flames then spread to a second nearby tourist vessel, which was carrying only its four crew members — one Greek national and three Egyptian nationals. They were also removed from the boat without injuries.
@nikaper1 #paxosisland #firework #yachting #sea ♬ Fire On Fire – From “Watership Down” – Sam Smith
Emergency response operation
A large response operation was launched involving two Coast Guard patrol boats, two Fire Service vessels, private boats and the tugboat “Ioannis.”
Firefighters, Coast Guard personnel, police officers, representatives from the Municipality of Paxos, fire safety volunteers and private individuals also assisted from the shore.
Despite the coordinated efforts to control the blaze, both vessels eventually sank, while nearby boats in the area also suffered damage.
Marine pollution measures deployed
The sinking of the two boats caused marine pollution covering an area of approximately 100 square meters.
Authorities immediately deployed pollution-control equipment, including floating barriers and absorbent materials, to contain the spread of the pollutants and limit the environmental impact.
