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Introduction
In a landmark ruling on March 2, 2025, the Piraeus Mixed Jury Court sentenced the captain and first officer of the Blue Horizon ferry for their roles in the drowning death of passenger Antonis Karyotis in September 2023. The first officer received a 12.5-year prison sentence for manslaughter, while the captain was sentenced to 7 years and 5 months for allowing the vessel to depart after the incident and attempting to cover it up. Both were ordered to begin their sentences immediately, as the court denied requests for suspension. This case has sparked widespread debate about crew accountability, passenger safety protocols, and emergency response procedures in the maritime industry.
Details of the Incident
The tragic incident occurred on September 5, 2023, at Port Piraeus-Athens, Greece, as the Blue Horizon ferry prepared to depart for Heraklion, Crete. Antonis Karyotis, a 36-year-old passenger, attempted to board the ferry after the vessel had already begun its departure procedure. At the time, the stern ramp was still lowered, and Karyotis ran toward the ship in an effort to board.
A confrontation ensued between Karyotis and a crew member, during which he was pushed off the ramp into the harbor waters. Tragically, Karyotis became caught in the ferry’s wake and drowned. Shockingly, despite witnessing the incident, the ferry continued its journey and only returned to port approximately 40 minutes later, following orders from authorities.
Prosecutors charged four crew members in connection with the incident: the captain, first officer, second officer, and boatswain. Video evidence played a pivotal role in the trial, ultimately leading to the acquittal of the second officer and boatswain due to their limited involvement in the altercation. However, the first officer was convicted of manslaughter, receiving a 12.5-year sentence, while the captain was found guilty of permitting the vessel to depart after the incident and attempting to conceal the crime, resulting in a 7-year and 5-month sentence.
Response and Impact
The sentencing of the captain and first officer marks a significant moment in maritime law enforcement, emphasizing accountability for negligence and misconduct aboard vessels. 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.
The case also had significant political repercussions. Greece’s shipping minister, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, resigned amid public outrage over his comments regarding the incident. Additionally, Spyridon Paschalis, CEO of Attica Group—the company operating the Blue Horizon —stepped down from his position, reflecting the gravity of the situation and the public demand for accountability.
This tragedy has prompted critical discussions within the maritime industry about improving crew training, enhancing passenger safety measures, and ensuring appropriate responses to emergencies. 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 in the future.