The operation to detach the ferry boat “Panagia Paravouniotissa”, which ran aground on a reef off the coast of Nea Styra, Evia, has been underway for over 20 hours.

Tugboats are attempting to tilt the vessel to facilitate the process, while two Coast Guard vessels and an open-sea ship are also assisting in the operation.

Divers are performing underwater tasks, and efforts are being made to reposition the vehicles inside the ferry to help lift the bow of the ship.

Technical Assessments Underway

The president of the Styra community, Nikos Drakogiannis, told evima.gr that technicians have already boarded the ferry to assess the damage. A naval architect’s evaluation is also expected, to determine whether repairs are needed before the ferry is detached and towed to port.

Captain Appears in Court

On Wednesday, August 6, 2025, the ferry’s captain appeared at the Chalkida courthouse. After being formally charged, he was brought before the investigating judge, from whom he requested and received an extension to testify on Friday. Until then, he will remain in custody at the Chalkida Port Authority.

The captain is facing criminal charges for endangering maritime navigation and disrupting transport, as well as causing a maritime accident, under the legislative decree concerning the investigation of maritime incidents.

Possible Negligence by Shipowner Under Scrutiny

The prosecutor is also investigating whether the shipowning company failed to comply with safety regulations. The Ministry of Shipping immediately informed the judicial authorities to look into the circumstances of the incident and whether proper procedures were followed by the company.

The ministry also pointed out a delay in notification from the captain regarding the grounding of the ferry.

Passenger Complaints

Meanwhile, passengers on board the ferry have expressed strong dissatisfaction, claiming they received no official instructions during the incident.

“We weren’t given any instructions, no one informed us,” one passenger told Mega Channel.
“We found the life jackets on our own, under the seats. We understood the captain was making a maneuver, and then we hit the reef. When the evacuation started, the captain said over the loudspeaker: ‘Go downstairs and get into the lifeboats’.”

Weather conditions in the area are reported to be favorable, with northeast winds of 4–5 Beaufort.