Russian tycoon Dmitry Rybolovlev, owner of Skorpios island, was started by reports that state that the Radical Left Coalition (SYRIZA) government banned the free passage of vessels around Skorpios in order to fulfil his wishes.

Rybolovlev is annoyed with publications refering to a prohibition of vessels in the sea area between Skoprios and Skorpidi. The reports came following statements by Labor Center President Μr. Stamatelou on the ban.

Representatives of the Rybolovlev family claim that no such request was made to the Port Authority of Lefkada. Instead, the family asked for reasonable protection while there. “The decision is not for fishermen and would apply only during the summer months when the family members and their distinguished guests are on Skorpio,” says a statement issued by the island’s owners. “This is for security reasons.”

Their request is nothing new as they were the same measures in force when the island had been owned by the family of Aristotle Onassis. Furthermore, representatives of the new owners told Proto Thema that there is no problem with the crossing when the family is not on the island and the restrictions would only apply during their presence.

The new Skorpios owners had raised the question of security when they met with fishermen, owners of tourist boats, local authorities and port officials of the island to find the best possible solution for all sides. “When the family and the guests are on the island, the large tourist boats would avoid the coastal area of ​​the port where the family’s yacht docks, and there is free passage around the island when there are no guests there,” state the representatives of the family.

There are concerns that problems are being created without reason. The family states that it is not asking for anything outrageous and understands “the interst of thousands of tourists who come every summer”. In fact, to cater to their needs, Rybolovlev cut some of the trees from around the church so that the graves of the Onassis family can be viewed from the sea by private tours. Furthermore, the beach where Jackie Onassis was known to have cleaned the house has been restored and is accessible to tourists.

On its part, the Port Authority told the Lefkada Press website that, contrary to reports, there had never been a fine imposed on a boat owner passing through the channel.