Frontex Vessel Sinks Near Greek Island, Injuries Reported
A Frontex vessel tragically sank on Monday just outside the port of Megisti, located on the southeastern Aegean Island of Kastellorizo. Reports indicate that five individuals were injured in the incident, including one person who sustained serious head injuries. Notably, the Estonian ambassador to Greece was aboard the vessel at the time of the sinking.
Incident Details and Rescue Efforts
The vessel encountered a reef, leading to its capsizing and subsequent sinking, which was further complicated by a fire on the water’s surface caused by leaking petrol. The incident has raised concerns and prompted an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collision. The vessel was operated by an Estonian crew, and the exact cause of the accident remains unclear.
According to a statement from the Greek Coast Guard, there were five people on board at the time of the incident: four Estonians, including the ambassador, and one officer from the Hellenic Coast Guard, who was serving as a liaison for Frontex. Following the sinking, rescue operations were swiftly initiated. A patrol vessel and a catamaran responded to the scene, successfully rescuing all passengers. They were then transported to the Kastellorizo Health Center for medical attention.
Of the injured, four individuals were later airlifted by a Super Puma helicopter from the Hellenic Air Force to a hospital in Rhodes for further treatment. The serious injury sustained by one passenger has not been publicly identified, but the situation remains a priority for local authorities as they continue to investigate the incident.
Ongoing Investigation
The Greek authorities are actively investigating the circumstances that led to the vessel’s collision with the reef. This incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by maritime operations in the region, particularly those involving Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency. As the investigation unfolds, further details are expected to emerge regarding the safety protocols and operational procedures in place at the time of the accident.
In the meantime, the focus remains on the health and recovery of those injured in the incident. The swift response from rescue teams has been commended, ensuring that all passengers received timely medical care. The situation serves as a reminder of the inherent risks associated with maritime operations, especially in challenging environments like the Aegean Sea.
