PAROS — 2000 · Major Tragedy
The Express Samina Ferry Disaster
On the evening of 26 September 2000 the ferry Express Samina, which had left Piraeus with 473 passengers and 61 crew, struck the Portes rocks about two nautical miles off Parikia on the island of Paros at 22:12, travelling at 18 knots. Water pouring through gashes in the hull spread rapidly because watertight doors had been left open, and the ship soon capsized and sank. Eighty passengers and crew died. The investigation found the ship had been on autopilot and the bridge watch had been negligent. Captain Vassilis Giannakis was sentenced to 16 years and first officer Tassos Psychoyios to 19 years in prison. After the disaster Greece shortened the maximum service life of passenger ships.
- Date
- 2000
- Place
- Parikia, Paros, Greece, Paros, GR
- Category
- Major Tragedy
- Case Status
- Solved
- Coordinates
- 37.1000, 25.1100 ↗
Timeline of Events
- 26 September 2000, 22:12Express Samina struck the Portes rocks.
- 26-27 September 2000The ship sank; rescuers confirmed 80 dead.
- TrialThe captain received 16 years and the first officer 19 years in prison.
Sources
- Wikipedia — MS Express Samina sinking en.wikipedia.org ↗
- CBC News — Captain accepts blame for Greek ferry sinking cbc.ca ↗
- Greek City Times — Flashback in maritime history: Express Samina Greek Ferry Disaster greekcitytimes.com ↗
- Wikipedia
- CBC News
- Greek City Times
Source grade A: several independent sources, at least one an official record or reference work. If you spot a mistake or something missing, report it with "Suggest a correction" in the app.
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🕯️ This record was prepared with respect, in memory of those who lost their lives.