Agia Theodora Ferry Runs Aground Near Igoumenitsa: Incident on 28 October 2024

On 28 October 2024, the passenger ferry Agia Theodora ran aground near Igoumenitsa, Greece, after experiencing a mechanical failure while en route from Corfu. All 550 passengers and their vehicles were safely escorted to port following a controlled towing operation conducted by the Hellenic Coast Guard. No injuries were reported.

The incident occurred approximately 4 nautical miles outside Port Igoumenitsa in shallow waters. The Hellenic Coast Guard responded promptly, assessed conditions as safe for towing, and successfully brought the vessel to port after a delay of approximately 2 hours.

Following the mechanical failure and grounding in shallow waters, the Hellenic Coast Guard was notified and arrived on scene to assess the situation. After determining that conditions were safe and stable, the coast guard coordinated a controlled towing operation. The Agia Theodora was towed to Port Igoumenitsa, with all passengers and vehicles safely transferred ashore within approximately 2 hours of the incident.

Passengers

• 550 passengers onboard at the time of the grounding.

Vehicles

• Passengers' vehicles were also safely transported to port.

Fatalities

• None reported.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• All 550 passengers safely escorted to Port Igoumenitsa.

The Hellenic Coast Guard responded promptly to the grounding, assessed the vessel's condition and surrounding sea state, and determined that a controlled towing operation was safe to execute. The coast guard coordinated the tow to Port Igoumenitsa, completing the operation within approximately 2 hours of the initial incident.

All passengers and vehicles have been safely brought to Port Igoumenitsa. The incident highlights the importance of effective emergency response protocols and the readiness of maritime authorities to manage mechanical failures at sea.