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Introduction
On the evening of September 5, 2023, a tragic event unfolded involving a passenger falling off the boarding ramp into the waters as the Blue Horizon ferry was leaving the dock in Port Piraeus, Athens. The individual was attempting to board the ferry where family members were already on board. The person’s body was recovered a short time later.
Details of the Incident
The individual was initially suspected of lacking a ferry ticket; however, it was later revealed that they had purchased a ticket and boarded the ferry but disembarked for unknown reasons. Security footage surfaced on social media showing the person being pushed off the ship by security guards as they attempted to reboard the moving vessel. The incident raised severe concerns as video evidence suggested that the ship’s propellers might have contributed to fatal injuries.
Operational Context
The Blue Horizon ferry was ordered to return to Piraeus around 50 minutes after the incident. Upon its return, the authorities arrested the Captain and three crew members involved, charging them with manslaughter. Greece’s Shipping Minister, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, has ordered a full investigation. The ferry resumed its route from Piraeus to Heraklion (Crete Island) on September 6th.