Today’s Blue Star Chios voyage from Piraeus to Rhodes has been canceled following the death of a 20-year-old sailor.

Blue Star Ferries expressed its condolences for the death of the young trainee sailor, who was crushed by a watertight sliding door in the ship’s lower garage, through its latest announcement.

The company also stated in the same announcement that today’s Blue Star Chios voyage from Piraeus to Rhodes will not take place, and confirmed that it is providing full support to the sailor’s family.

Full company statement:
*”The management and employees of Blue Star Ferries express our devastation and sincere condolences to the family of our colleague, alongside whom we have been from the first moment, providing all possible support.

At this difficult time, we also stand by our crew with respect and solidarity.

Today’s Blue Star Chios voyage from Piraeus to Rhodes will not be carried out.”*

How the tragedy occurred
The 20-year-old sailor, a member of the crew of the passenger-car ferry Blue Star Chios, was crushed by a watertight sliding door in the ship’s lower garage before the voyage from Rhodes to Piraeus began.

The young sailor was heading to the engine room to begin his shift when the door reportedly opened and he entered, but then became trapped as the door closed on him, resulting in fatal injuries.

Initial assessments suggest that part of his clothing got caught in the door, preventing him from freeing himself before it closed completely.

Aftermath
Immediately after the ship arrived in Piraeus, an ambulance from the National Emergency Center (EKAB) was called, which transported the injured sailor to the hospital. Despite the doctors’ efforts, his life could not be saved.

The Hellenic Coast Guard is conducting a preliminary investigation into the exact circumstances of the accident, and the relevant public prosecutor has been informed.

According to reports, the 20-year-old trainee sailor passed away on the ship just 15 days after beginning his training voyage.