Investigation reveals mistakes, omissions by officials in Hydra fire case
The preliminary investigation by the internal affairs directorate revealed mistakes and omissions by officials in the handling of the Hydra fire case in June involving a yacht, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to SKAI TV, the report mentions abuse of power and neglect of duty by the fire brigadier of the fire service’s arson crimes directorate, as well as officials from the hydra port authority.
The investigation found that Galata’s fire department did not take over the case, despite the incident occurring within its area of responsibility. Moreover, Hydra’s port authority was informed by a nearby vessel of the yacht’s suspected involvement in the fire, however, it did not immobilize the yacht or conduct a search.
The fire brigadier visited Vouliagmeni the next day, June 22, to take statements from the 10 Kazakh passengers. However, after examining them, he allowed them to leave the country on a private flight, despite strong indications that they were actively involved. He reportedly informed the prosecutor after letting them go.
In June, a large fire broke out in the only pine forest on the Saronic island of Hydra, with witnesses reporting that it was caused by fireworks from a private yacht chartered by a Kazakh businessman.
Authorities arrested the 13 members of the crew and pressed charges against eight adult Kazakh passengers who were aboard the yacht but have since managed to leave the country. All those involved face felony arson by negligence charges.
