Ferry accident in Mykonos: Panic among passengers, suitcases, baby stroller into the sea (vid)

A ferry accident at the port of the island of Mykonos short after 12 noon on Thursday triggered panic among boarding passengers, with suitcases and a baby stroller to have fallen into the sea.

According to a report, a man holding a baby in his arms almost fell into the water but he was rescued in the last moment by other passengers who pulled him back.

Some passengers reportedly sustained minor injuries.

Video:

@panoramaimagery Accident with ferry in Mykonos. People almost fell in the sea. Minor injuries. Some luggages fell in the water.#mykonos #accident #sea #port ♬ original sound – Panorama Imagery

Another video filmed by a passenger on the ferry’s deck and broadcast by ANT1 TV showed several people on their knees on the catapult, while screams are heard.

Παραλίγο έγκλημα από τον καπετάνιο του Jumbo Jet στη Μύκονο:
Ήταν λανθασμένος χειρισμός, είπε ο καπετάνιος του “Jumbo Jet”
Αν είναι δυνατόν, γίνονται τέτοια λάθη;
Σε τι χώρα ζούμε;

Telegram: https://t.co/95qqqcc06x pic.twitter.com/JHV7gUgAeU

— Καθίκι (@KYTKYTKYTKYTKYT) September 14, 2024

According tomedia reports, the Cypriot-flagged Jumbo Jet ferry had docked at the port of Mykonos but the catapult moved and passengers slipped and fell on the ground then it was raised allegedly to correct its position.

The reason for the accident remains officially unclear, so far.

MEGA TV reported short before 8 p.m. that the captain told authorities that he accidentally started the ferry and therefore the catapult moved.

The Coast Guard has launched an investigation.

The ferry operated the route from Piraeus to Syros-Tinos-Mykonos-Paros-Naxos and back.

Christos Stylianidis: “Security matters do not include discounts and compromises”

Shipping and Insular Policy Minister, Christos Stylianidis said that “Security matters and there are no discounts and compromises in such issues.”

The Ministry issued a statement stating that systems are expected to enhance the safety of coastal shipping.

“On the occasion of today’s incident in the port of Mykonos, we reiterate that the highest priority of the Ministry of Shipping and Insular Policy are safety issues, especially in coastal shipping, which are non-negotiable and there is no room for tolerance,” the statement read.

It added “in this context and to strengthen the safety of ships, ports and passengers, the Ministry has launched, among others, the development of the Sea Ports Time Slots System with a central Information System for monitoring and use, the adaptation of of ports subject to the international ISPS code, the upgrading of port facilities and the renewal of the coastal fleet.”

PS JeeesusChrist, how many times do we hear ministers swearing at “safety” after an accident in public transport occurs… until the next one happens.

The only ministry refraining from such statements is the one of Transportation and Infrastructure, despite the fact that public buses and intercity KTEL buses occasionally go in flames.