The tragic incident occurred when the man attempted to board the ferry while the ramp was still down. A crew member pushed him into the turbulent waters created by the ferry's engines, resulting in his drowning. The coroner also noted the presence of small lacerations on the victim's head.
Following the incident, the ferry continued its journey to Iraklio (Crete), but passengers immediately reported the incident. Acting swiftly, the Port Authority ordered the Blue Star ferry to return to port and detained all four crew members involved, including the captain and two crew members from the platform. They are expected to provide statements to the prosecutor, who is also collecting testimonies from passengers and other crew members.
Shipping and Island Policy Minister, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, has ordered an internal investigation into the handling of the incident by the Port Authority of Piraeus. The Port Authority has admitted that an official was present in the vicinity but not directly in front of the boarding ramp. They have also acknowledged that the ramp should have been raised before the ship's engines were activated, and that this violation has been recorded.
Speaking to Parapolitika 90.1 FM, Minister Varvitsiotis expressed shock, abhorrence, and sadness over the situation. He condemned the crew's actions as an appalling insult to Greek seamen and called it a departure from the principles of seamanship. The minister further revealed that the victim had a valid ticket, had initially departed the ship for unknown reasons, and then attempted to re-board before the ferry's departure.
Attica Group, the owner of the ferry, issued a brief statement expressing shock over the incident. They have pledged full cooperation with the authorities in conducting a thorough investigation into the incident.