The captain of a ferry was arrested after his ship’s passage caused a wave that injured beachgoers in Mykonos.
A large wave from ferry of captain injures tourists on Mykonos beach
Recently, a tragedy happened on the beach of Agios Stefanos in Mykonos, Greece.
When a ferry’s passing caused a massive wave to crash over the shoreline injuring several tourists.
According to reports, the incident occurred on July 21, 2024, when the Fast Ferries Andros ship docked at the port of Rafina in mainland Greece.
This incident has garnered significant attention due to the injuries sustained.
Additionally, the dramatic video footage has spread widely on social media.
It showed a powerful wave sweeping across the beach, sending beachgoers rushing to safety.
Local media outlet Vradini reported that two people were injured, with one individual hospitalized with two broken ribs.
The captain was charged with two crimes
The captain of the ferry has been arrested soon after.
He faces charges of “Dangerous interference with the transport of means of fixed orbit, ships and aircraft” and “Physical injury due to negligence.”
The Mykonos Port Authority is conducting a preliminary investigation into the incident.
Takis Papadakos, who shared the footage on his Facebook page “Mykonos, let’s do it!”, expressed outrage at the captain’s actions.
“Congratulations Fast Ferries for the captain of FastFerries Andros you have,
He clearly ‘respected’ the health of the bathers of St. Stephen and passed as close and as fast as ever before, lest he miss 5 minutes of his itinerary!!” He said in his post.
The captain’s negligence injured many beachgoers
The injuries sustained by beachgoers vary in severity, with some requiring medical attention.
Emergency services responded promptly to the scene, assisting those affected.
Papadakos also noted that the woman seen in the video on the left was hospitalized with two broken ribs.
The footage was part of the preliminary investigation by the Port Authority.
The Vradini report stated that “according to the announcement of the coast guard, the big wave swept away two bathers, who were injured.”
The report also mentioned that deckchairs and personal belongings were washed away by the powerful wave.
Social media reaction and safety measures
The video footage and the subsequent news coverage have sparked a strong public reaction.
Many people are discussing the need for better safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
The debate also highlights the importance of maintaining a safe distance between maritime activities and populated beach areas.
Can’t sue a natural wave so the small wave from the ferry was a bonus, one user said.
Surely when you go to the beach you expect waves,
I live on the coast and my kids play in bigger swells than that, the second user said.
To be fair, it did look like some towels got wet, what was this madman thinking, another wrote.
Really how is that the captain’s fault? Someone asked.
What a dramatic photo. Thoughts and prayers for the victims of the wet beach, another commented.