Overboard Europe Piraeus · 5 September 2023
Passenger Death (Overboard) on Blue Horizon on 5th September 2023
What happened
On 5 September 2023, a tragic overboard incident occurred as the cruise vessel Blue Horizon was departing from Port Piraeus (Athens), Greece. A 36-year-old passenger, Antonis Kariotis, a resident of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, fell from the boarding ramp into the water between the vessel and the quay. His body was recovered shortly after the fall; he was pronounced deceased.
The Blue Horizon, operated by Attica Group, was ordered to return to Piraeus and arrived back at 19:35 UTC. Following the incident, the Captain and three crew members were arrested and charged with manslaughter. Greece's Shipping Minister ordered a comprehensive investigation.
Details of the incident
Antonis Kariotis had initially boarded the Blue Horizon with his family already onboard. For reasons unknown, he disembarked and then attempted to reboard as the vessel was departing the quay. Video footage shared on Greek media and social platforms showed security guards pushing him off the ship as he tried to run onto the ramp. One video documented his body being drawn underwater by the ship's propellers, raising concerns about a potential head injury sustained during the fall. His family indicated that Antonis Kariotis was autistic.
Passengers and crew
Passengers
- Antonis Kariotis, 36 years old, resident of Agios Nikolaos, Crete, was travelling with family members onboard.
Crew
- Captain and three crew members were involved in the incident and subsequently arrested.
Casualties
Fatalities
- 1 passenger: Antonis Kariotis, 36 years old.
Injuries
- None reported.
Rescued
- None; the passenger was deceased upon recovery.
Emergency response and investigation
The Blue Horizon was ordered to return to Port Piraeus immediately following the incident and arrived back at the port at 19:35 UTC on 6 September 2023. The Captain and three crew members involved were arrested and charged with manslaughter. Greece's Shipping Minister, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, ordered a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the incident.
Current status
The vessel returned to Port Piraeus and criminal charges have been filed against the Captain and three crew members. A formal investigation by Greek maritime authorities is underway to determine the full circumstances surrounding the incident.