Ferry suspends service after captain’s arrest in Andros incident
SAOS Ferries has suspended service for the Saonisos ferry after its captain was arrested following an incident at the port of Andros.
The arrest came after a viral video showed a car attempting to board the ferry during gale-force winds on Thursday evening, causing chaos.
The driver of the damaged car, speaking to Alpha TV, described the ordeal: “The front of the ramp lifted while I was boarding. My wheels were spinning, and I was told to reverse, but the rear wheel was lifted. There were four cars, and you shouldn’t load vehicles under such weather conditions, especially if you can’t control the ship.”
Another passenger said, “We were trying to get out to avoid falling into the sea. Only one crew member came out, and he yelled at us to get off quickly, without ensuring the ship was properly secured.”
SAOS Ferries announced the captain’s “mandatory dismissal” and advised passengers to seek refunds at local agencies.
The ferry remains anchored at Karystos, with no further sailings until a new captain is appointed, according to port authorities.
The captain’s arrest was ordered by a prosecutor due to the unsafe handling of the departure.
