Strong winds blowing across parts of the Aegean since Thursday morning have caused significant disruptions to maritime transport, affecting ferries and high-speed vessels during the peak August holiday season.
Several passenger and high-speed ferries were unable to reach their scheduled destinations or remained moored at ports to ensure the safety of passengers and crew.
According to official statements from the Hellenic Coast Guard, in many cases passengers and vehicles that did not disembark or board will be transferred to their destinations under the responsibility of the ferry companies. Port authorities are closely monitoring the situation.
TERA JET 2 Unable to Dock at Irakleia
On Thursday morning, the Port Authority of Naxos was informed that the passenger-vehicle high-speed ferry “TERA JET 2”, sailing under the Cypriot flag, would not dock at the port of Irakleia due to strong winds and adverse weather conditions.
The vessel was operating a scheduled route from Piraeus to Paros – Naxos – Koufonisi – Schoinoussa – Irakleia – Naxos – Paros – Piraeus.
Passengers bound for Irakleia and those waiting to board there will be transported to their destinations by the company.
Double Docking Failure for “CAT I” in Serifos
First Incident:
At midday Thursday, the Port Authority of Serifos was informed by the captain of the high-speed ferry “CAT I” (also under the Cypriot flag) that docking at Serifos was deemed unsafe due to severe weather conditions.
The ferry was on a scheduled route from Lavrio to Kythnos – Serifos – Sifnos. It ultimately skipped Serifos and continued to Sifnos.
On board were 69 passengers, 19 private vehicles, and 1 motorcycle set to disembark, while 18 passengers and 3 vehicles were waiting to board at Serifos for Sifnos.
All affected travelers will be accommodated by the ferry company.
Watch video: Port of Serifos
Second Incident:
Later, on the vessel’s return trip from Sifnos to Kythnos – Lavrio, the “CAT I” again could not dock at Serifos due to persistent weather conditions.
This time, 22 passengers and 4 vehicles were onboard for disembarkation, while 44 passengers, 11 vehicles, and 1 motorcycle were waiting at the port.
These travelers will also be assisted by the ferry company.
Superjet Immobilized in Paros
The high-speed passenger ferry “Superjet” remained docked in Paros on Thursday and did not depart for Mykonos as scheduled, due to adverse weather conditions in the region.
The vessel was set to carry 74 passengers, who will now be transported via a modified route of the “Superrunner Jet”, as arranged by the Coast Guard and ferry company.
The deviation was deemed necessary to ensure safe travel, as strong winds prevented the Superjet’s departure.
Port authorities continue to monitor the situation, and ferry companies are keeping passengers informed about route changes and alternative travel options.
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