Blue Horizon Ferry Drowning Case 2025: Captain and First Officer Sentenced in Landmark Ruling

On 2 March 2025, the Piraeus Mixed Jury Court in Greece delivered landmark sentences in connection with the drowning death of passenger Antonis Karyotis aboard the Blue Horizon ferry. The first officer received a 12.5-year prison sentence for manslaughter, while the captain was sentenced to 7 years and 5 months for permitting the vessel to depart after the incident and attempting to conceal it. Both sentences were to be served immediately, with the court denying all requests for suspension.

The tragedy occurred on 5 September 2023, at Port Piraeus-Athens as the ferry prepared to depart for Heraklion, Crete. The case has prompted widespread debate about crew accountability, passenger safety protocols, and emergency response procedures across the maritime industry.

Antonis Karyotis, a 36-year-old passenger, attempted to board the Blue Horizon after the vessel had begun its departure procedure. With the stern ramp still lowered, Karyotis ran toward the ship to board. A confrontation between Karyotis and a crew member ensued on the ramp, during which he was pushed into the harbor waters. Karyotis became caught in the ferry's wake and drowned. Despite witnessing the incident, the ferry continued its journey and only returned to port approximately 40 minutes later, following orders from authorities.

Fatalities

• 1 passenger: Antonis Karyotis, age 36, drowned in harbor waters.

Injuries

• None reported.

Rescued

• No rescue was effected; the passenger drowned before recovery.

Prosecutors charged four crew members: the captain, first officer, second officer, and boatswain. Video evidence played a pivotal role in the trial. The second officer and boatswain were acquitted due to their limited involvement in the altercation. The first officer was convicted of manslaughter, and the captain was found guilty of permitting the vessel to depart after the incident and attempting to conceal the crime.

"The court's decision to deny suspension of their sentences underscores the severity of their actions and sends a strong message to the industry about the importance of adhering to safety protocols." — Piraeus Mixed Jury Court, 2 March 2025

Both the captain and first officer began serving their sentences immediately. The sentencing has prompted significant political and corporate accountability: Greece's shipping minister, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, resigned amid public outrage over his comments regarding the incident, and Spyridon Paschalis, CEO of Attica Group, stepped down from his position. The case has sparked critical discussions within the maritime industry about improving crew training, enhancing passenger safety measures, and ensuring appropriate emergency responses. Advocacy groups are calling for stricter enforcement of safety regulations, mandatory crisis management drills, and the implementation of advanced surveillance systems to prevent similar incidents.