In a tragic twist of fate, the 20-year-old who lost his life on the Blue Star Chios had only just boarded the ship to take up his duty on shift in the engine room.

According to the latest information, the 20-year-old seaman, a crew member of the passenger-car ferry Blue Star Chios, was crushed by a watertight sliding door in the ship’s ground-level garage, shortly before the scheduled departure from Rhodes to Piraeus.

The young man was heading toward the engine room to start his shift when, according to reports, the door opened, he entered, but then became trapped as the door closed on him, fatally injuring him.

Initial assessments suggest that part of his clothing may have been caught in the door, preventing him from freeing himself before it shut completely.

Immediately upon the ship’s arrival at Piraeus, an EKAB ambulance was called, which took the injured man to the hospital. Despite doctors’ efforts, his life could not be saved.

The Hellenic Coast Guard is conducting a preliminary investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident, while the competent prosecutor has also been informed.

Blue Star’s announcement regarding the death of the 20-year-old seaman

“This morning at 08:00, on the Blue Star Chios operating the Rhodes–Piraeus route, a seaman of the vessel was found — unconscious — trapped in a watertight sliding door. The ship’s crew immediately proceeded to free him and administered first aid.

Right after the ship’s arrival at the port of Piraeus at 09:15, the seaman was taken by an EKAB ambulance to a hospital, where his death was confirmed.

The Blue Star family is deeply shaken and expresses its condolences to the seaman’s loved ones.

The company is cooperating with the competent Authorities for the investigation of the circumstances of this tragic incident.”

Twenty-four-hour strike by seafarers’ unions on Blue Star Chios

The Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN) and the Panhellenic Union of Lower Engine Room Crew of the Merchant Navy “The STEPHENSON” declared a 24-hour strike on the passenger-car ferry Blue Star Chios, from 11:00 today until 11:00 tomorrow, Thursday, September 25.