The cargo ship “MN Kostas”, flying the flag of Sierra Leone, is half-sunken with a starboard list and its bow protruding above the water, after having run aground on a reef in the Kyriamadi sea area, off Sitia.

Following the grounding, the contracting company carried out operations to pump out all fuel and lubricants, unload the cargo (gypsum soil), and seal the ship’s ventilation and distribution points, using tugboats, salvage vessels, floating cranes, and another cargo ship.

During the operations, a floating containment boom was placed around the vessel, and additional anti-pollution equipment was kept on standby both at the grounding site and in the port of Sitia. No marine pollution has been observed.

The Sitia Port Authority, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, convened the advisory committee under Article 9, paragraph 7 of Law 2881/2001 (regulation on wreck removal and other provisions). The committee designated the “MN Kostas” as a wreck and decided on its removal under the responsibility of the vessel’s managing company, since due to its position and condition it poses a navigational hazard. The company has been duly notified.