Tragedy Aboard the Blue Star Chios

Greek authorities have detained the captain and chief engineer of the Blue Star Chios ferry following the death of a 20-year-old crew member on Wednesday. The incident, which occurred in the vessel’s lower garage area, has sent shockwaves through the maritime community and sparked immediate industrial action.

The victim, a student at a private engineering school, had recently joined the vessel on September 15 as an engine room cleaner. Official records confirm he was a fully certified crew member, possessing basic maritime training credentials issued by the Cyprus Ministry of Shipping under international STCW standards.

Details of the Incident

The fatal injury occurred when the young sailor became caught in a watertight sliding door while heading to the engine room to begin his shift. Investigations revealed that the door system in the garage operates manually via a lever mechanism rather than being fully automated.

Key findings regarding the door operation include:

• Manual Control: Each crew member is responsible for operating the system locally when entering or exiting.

• Lever Pressure: The door moves only while continuous pressure is applied to the control lever.

• Safety Protocols: Regulations strictly mandate that the door must be fully retracted before any crew member attempts to cross the threshold.

Authorities believe the entrapment occurred as the victim attempted to pass through the opening before the door had fully opened, or while the closing mechanism was simultaneously engaged.

Legal and Industrial Response

The ship’s captain and chief engineer have been charged with „manslaughter by negligence” and have appeared before a prosecutor. Despite company documents stating that the victim had received a full safety briefing and training on watertight door operations, the circumstances of the accident remain under intense scrutiny.

In response to the tragedy, Greek seafarers’ unions—specifically PEMEN and the Stephenson marine engineers’ union—announced a 24-hour strike on the vessel. The strike, which began Wednesday, halted operations until Thursday morning as a sign of protest and mourning.

Source: Official reports from maritime authorities and Greek Seafarers’ Unions (PEMEN).