Grounding of General Cargo Ship off the Coast of Crete

The Hellenic Coast Guard and local port authority are currently coordinating efforts following the grounding of a general cargo ship off the northeastern coast of Crete. The incident, involving the vessel named MN Kostas, has led to the evacuation of the crew and the detention of the captain and bridge watch officer for investigation.

The MN Kostas, a 5,800 deadweight tonnage (dwt) ship, departed from the port of Sitia on Crete on July 24. The Coast Guard was notified at 11:30 pm that the ship had grounded approximately 6 nautical miles off Sitia and 3 nautical miles west of Sideros, islands at the northeast tip of Crete. The vessel, which was en route to Lebanon carrying a cargo of plaster, measures 106 meters (348 feet) in length and is registered in Sierra Leone.

Earlier this year, the MN Kostas faced allegations of failing to pay its crew, with the International Labour Organization revealing that the crew was owed nearly $18,500 in wages. However, the situation was rectified after the crew had only received half pay for four months.

Upon receiving the distress call, the Coast Guard dispatched three patrol boats, while the Sitia Port Authority sent personnel on a fishing vessel to the scene. Additionally, private crafts and fishing vessels offered assistance.

All 14 crew members were successfully evacuated from the ship and transported to the port of Sitia. The Sitia Port Authority has initiated an investigation into the incident, focusing on the actions of the captain and watch officer in causing the shipwreck and failing to avoid the collision with the reef. Divers have been deployed to inspect both the vessel and the reef.

To aid in the situation, two tugs from Heraklion are on standby to assist the grounded cargo ship, with a third tug expected to arrive at the scene shortly.