Video: Passenger Ferry Collides With Cargo Ship At Souda Port In Crete, Greece

A passenger ferry carrying 100 passengers collided with a cargo vessel while leaving the port of Souda on the Greek island of Crete on Tuesday morning, damaging both ships but causing no injuries or marine pollution, authorities said.

The collision happened at around 10:00 a.m. local time as the ro-ro passenger ferry Elyros departed on its scheduled daily voyage to the Port of Piraeus.

At the same time, the ro-ro cargo vessel Iosif K. was manoeuvring to berth at the quay, according to the Hellenic Coast Guard.

The incident led authorities to temporarily stop both vessels from sailing while inspections were carried out, with an investigation now underway into how the collision occurred.

The Elyros was carrying 100 passengers, 32 cars and 74 trucks when it came into contact with the Iosif K., which was transporting 84 trucks.

Authorities said the collision caused only material damage, mainly to the cargo vessel. Initial reports said the ferry suffered scrapes, while the cargo ship sustained damage to its bow.

No passengers or crew members were injured, and no marine pollution was reported.

Video shared online shows the ferry striking the cargo vessel inside the harbour as it was leaving port. One of the vessels can be heard sounding its horn shortly before the collision.

Following the accident, the Chania Port Authority ordered both ships to remain in port until inspections were completed and seaworthiness certificates were issued by representatives of the classification society.

According to the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (ANA-MPA), the departure ban on the Elyros was later lifted after inspectors confirmed the ferry remained seaworthy. It was then cleared to continue its scheduled voyage to Piraeus.

The Iosif K. also docked under the supervision of port authorities.

The Hellenic Coast Guard said the port authority has launched an investigation into the incident. Investigators are expected to examine navigation procedures, communication between the vessels and the conditions during the manoeuvring operation.

Authorities have not determined whether human error, technical problems or other factors played a role in the collision.

A case file has also been opened on the instructions of the relevant public prosecutor’s office, while administrative penalties are being considered.

Greek Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy Vasilis Kikilias ordered a formal administrative inquiry and instructed the Hellenic Coast Guard to carry out a full investigation.

“In matters of safety, there is absolutely no tolerance,” Kikilias said.

Souda Port, near Chania in western Crete, handles both passenger ferry services between Crete and mainland Greece and commercial ro-ro cargo traffic. The collision took place during Greece’s busy summer travel season, when ferry services are operating at high frequency.

The investigation into the cause of the collision is continuing.

References: Shipping Telegraph, The Sun