Two British women were hospitalized on Saturday after being injured by the wake of a speeding vessel that passed close to the rental boat they were traveling in during a coastal tour off the Greek island of Zakynthos.

The women, aged 55 and 58, were among five passengers aboard a hired vessel returning from a sightseeing cruise toward the small port of Agios Sostis when a nearby boat traveling at high speed generated strong waves. The 55-year-old sustained injuries to her lower back and the 58-year-old to her left leg, according to a statement by the Zakynthos Port Authority.

The vessel reached Agios Sostis safely and both women were transported by ambulance to a private clinic on the island, where they remained under medical care.

The incident occurred in the Keri coastal area during the midday hours and was reported to the Zakynthos maritime authorities.
The port authority, which has opened a preliminary investigation, arrested the skipper and owner of the rental boat on charges of aggravated bodily harm under Article 314 of the Greek Penal Code.