Power Outage in Argostoli Linked to Cruise Ship Maneuvering: Submarine Cable Damage Suspected

Introduction
On May 4, 2025, the Greek island of Kefalonia experienced a power outage that left its capital, Argostoli, temporarily without electricity. The disruption began at approximately 4:30 PM local time and lasted for about an hour in the central area, with additional disturbances reported in adjacent districts. Preliminary findings suggest that the blackout may have been caused by damage to a submarine power cable, potentially linked to the anchoring operations of a cruise vessel—believed to be the Celestyal Journey . The incident underscores the vulnerability of vital infrastructure in insular regions and highlights the risks posed by ship maneuvers near critical underwater systems.

Details of the Incident

Power Outage Overview:

• The power outage occurred on May 4, 2025, at approximately 4:30 PM local time, affecting Argostoli and surrounding areas.
• Electricity was restored temporarily by 5:30 PM through rerouted supply, but comprehensive repairs are expected to take several days.
• The central area of Argostoli was most heavily impacted, with additional disturbances reported in adjacent districts.

Suspected Cause:

• Preliminary investigations suggest that a submarine power cable was damaged, likely due to the anchoring operations of a cruise vessel maneuvering in the port area.
• The vessel involved is believed to be the *Celestyal Journey*, as reported by local media, including Kefaloniapress, which published imagery of the ship during the incident.
• Divers dispatched by the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) confirmed a significant fault in the underwater cable system.

Infrastructure Impact:

• Submarine power cables are critical infrastructure for insular regions like Kefalonia, providing essential connectivity and power supply.
• Damage from ship anchors is a well-documented risk, with similar incidents recorded globally, such as a 2008 case off Sicily where anchor drag caused extensive damage over a 300-kilometer path.

Response and Impact

Immediate Actions:

• HEDNO dispatched divers to inspect the damaged cable and implemented temporary measures to restore power by rerouting supply.
• Officials cautioned that comprehensive repairs will require specialized equipment and could take several days to complete.

Broader Implications:

• This incident highlights the vulnerability of submarine cables in port areas and the need for enhanced protective measures, such as designated anchoring zones and real-time monitoring systems.
• The International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) has documented numerous similar cases, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation to mitigate risks to underwater infrastructure.

Community and Industry Reaction:

• Local residents expressed frustration over the disruption, particularly given the reliance on consistent power for daily life and tourism operations.
• Celestyal Cruises has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, leaving questions about accountability and preventative measures unanswered.

Key Takeaways:

• A power outage in Argostoli, Kefalonia, on May 4, 2025, left the capital temporarily without electricity, lasting approximately one hour in the central area.
• Preliminary findings suggest the outage was caused by damage to a submarine power cable, potentially linked to the anchoring operations of the *Celestyal Journey*.
• HEDNO confirmed a significant fault in the cable system and restored temporary power by rerouting supply, though full repairs may take several days.
• This incident highlights the risks posed by ship maneuvers near critical underwater infrastructure and the importance of protective measures.
• No official statement has been released by Greek maritime authorities or Celestyal Cruises as of this writing.