Greek Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias has ordered a formal administrative inquiry after two ferries collided in the port of Souda, Crete, an incident captured on video by a passenger aboard one of the vessels.
Footage aired by Greek broadcaster Mega, filmed from the Ro-Ro cargo ship "Iosif K.," shows the passenger ferry "Elyros" striking the cargo vessel as it departed the port, producing a loud impact and triggering both ships' emergency sirens.
The right side of the Elyros's bow collided with the left side of the cargo ship's bow, causing significant damage.
The Elyros, departing on its daily route to Piraeus, was carrying 218 passengers and crew, along with 32 private vehicles and 74 trucks.
The Iosif K., carrying 84 fuel-loaded trucks, was maneuvering to dock at the time, having signaled its approach roughly 30 minutes earlier.
According to Mega, the collision site lacks the vessel-tracking infrastructure used at other Greek ports, such as Piraeus's Vessel Traffic Control System, meaning ships in Souda communicate solely by radio.
Coast Guard authorities barred both vessels from departing pending inspection. A certifying authority later confirmed the Elyros retained its seaworthiness classification and could resume operations; the Iosif K. remains grounded pending inspection.
Authorities confirmed water ballast tanks were punctured in the collision, but tanks carrying LPG, fuel and oxygen remained intact. No injuries or marine pollution were reported.
Mr. Kikilias ordered Coast Guard Deputy Chief and maritime safety head, Vice Admiral Efstratios Drakoulis, to travel to Chania, while prosecutors have ordered a case file opened and administrative sanctions proceedings have begun.
"There is absolutely no tolerance when it comes to safety matters," Mr. Kikilias wrote on social media.
Giorgos Vallis, president of the Panhellenic Association of Private and Professional Yacht Crews, told Meganews the collision likely stemmed from a coordination failure, noting that port traffic during vessel arrivals and departures is typically managed by a harbor official directing which ships enter, exit or wait.