Passenger Ferry Collides with Cargo Ship in Greek Port
A maritime accident occurred on 21 July in the port of Souda, on the Greek island of Crete, when a passenger ferry collided with a cargo vessel during departure from the harbor. Fortunately, there were no injuries among passengers or crew, and no marine pollution was reported.
The passenger ferry Elyros, operating the regular route between Souda and Piraeus, was leaving the port with approximately 100 passengers, 118 crew members, dozens of trucks and passenger vehicles on board. At the same time, the Ro-Ro cargo vessel Iosif K. was entering the harbor. During the maneuver, the two ships made contact, causing visible damage to both vessels.
Emergency services and the Hellenic Coast Guard responded immediately. Authorities temporarily prohibited both vessels from sailing while technical inspections and damage assessments were carried out. After inspection, the ferry Elyros was cleared to resume service, while the cargo vessel remained under restrictions pending further examination.
Videos recorded by witnesses quickly spread across social media, showing the moment the ferry’s bow struck the side of the cargo ship inside the port. The incident has drawn significant attention across the maritime community, although the outcome could have been far more serious if the collision had occurred outside the sheltered harbor or at higher speed.
Greek maritime authorities have opened an official investigation to determine the exact cause of the collision. Investigators will examine navigation procedures, communications between the vessels, weather conditions, and compliance with port traffic regulations.
