A ferry captain has been arrested following a harrowing incident in which a car was left hanging precariously off the side of his vessel during boarding in gale-force winds.
The incident occurred on Thursday evening at the port of Andros, and a video capturing the scene quickly went viral, sparking outrage and concerns about maritime safety.
The driver of the damaged car recounted the terrifying experience, describing how the front of the ramp lifted as she was boarding, causing her car to become stuck and damaged.
She expressed her fear of plunging into the sea and criticized the decision to load vehicles in such adverse weather conditions.
A passenger on board described the ensuing panic, with crew members struggling to maintain control amidst the chaos.
The captain of the Saonisos ferry has been arrested under charges of dangerous interference with ship operations, with the prosecutor citing the unsafe handling of the ferry's departure in severe weather. SAOS Ferries, the ferry operator, has announced the captain's dismissal and the immediate suspension of the ferry's services.
The Saonisos remains anchored at Karystos until a new captain is appointed. The incident has triggered serious concerns about maritime safety protocols and the need for stricter adherence to guidelines, especially during challenging weather conditions.