Six Bulgarian nationals were rescued from a sinking vessel near the Greek island of Lefkada after a ship responded to their distress call, according to a report from the Greek Coast Guard. The dramatic rescue took place just before noon on Wednesday, saving the passengers shortly before their boat submerged.
The Greek Coast Guard acted swiftly, dispatching two boats and a diver to the scene as soon as the emergency was reported. The Bulgarians were successfully evacuated from the vessel, and all six individuals were found to be in good health. Local authorities confirmed that the passengers had been transferred to safety on the responding ship before their vessel sank.
The incident unfolded off the coast of Lefkada, a popular island destination in the Ionian Sea. While the full details of what led to the sinking are still unclear, the boat reportedly went under at a depth of approximately 15 meters. Divers were later sent to recover the sunken vessel, which has since been retrieved.
Rescue Effort Praised for Swift Response
The Greek Coast Guard has been commended for their quick and coordinated response to the distress signal. The two dispatched boats, along with the assistance of a diver, ensured the safe transfer of all passengers before the boat was fully submerged. Authorities emphasized the importance of the rescue operation, which was carried out under challenging conditions.
No injuries were reported among the six Bulgarians rescued, and they are currently being assessed for any additional care that may be required. Lefkada port authorities have taken charge of the situation, and investigations into the cause of the sinking are underway.
Captain Arrested on Charges Related to Shipwreck
Following the rescue, Lefkada port authorities arrested the 47-year-old captain of the sinking vessel. The captain now faces charges under Article 277 of the Greek Civil Code, which deals with causing a shipwreck. This legal provision can carry significant penalties if negligence or other violations are found to have contributed to the accident.
The nature of the charges suggests that authorities are scrutinizing whether proper maritime protocols were followed or if any preventable factors led to the incident. Investigators are expected to conduct further interviews with the captain and survivors, as well as inspect the recovered vessel for clues about what might have caused the rapid sinking.
Ongoing Investigation
The swift action by the Greek Coast Guard undoubtedly prevented a potential tragedy, but questions remain regarding the circumstances that led to the vessel’s perilous condition. Investigators are focusing on possible mechanical failures, weather conditions, or human error that could have contributed to the sinking.
The captain’s arrest signals that Greek authorities are treating the incident with a degree of seriousness, especially in light of the safety of the passengers. Additional information about the state of the boat, and whether it met safety standards, is expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers of maritime travel, even in relatively calm conditions. The Greek Coast Guard has urged all seafarers to ensure their vessels are seaworthy and to follow safety guidelines to prevent accidents.
As of now, the six rescued Bulgarians have not made any public statements, but they are believed to be resting safely after the ordeal.