Truck drivers attack ship captain in Spetses – five arrests
A ship captain has been hospitalised at Nafplion Hospital following an attack during the loading of a vessel. Five truck drivers have been arrested for obstruction of traffic and dangerous bodily harm.
Ship captain hospitalised following attack at car ramp – five arrests in Spetses
A ship captain was seriously injured on the afternoon of Sunday, 18 October, when he was attacked by truck drivers and their relatives whilst vehicles were being loaded onto a ship's car ramp bound for Spetses. The incident was reported by Dikastiko.gr and provoked strong reactions in the shipping industry.
According to the Port Authority, the episode occurred as the loading procedure for the scheduled route was underway. The ship owner notified the Port Authority of Portocheli, which immediately sent personnel to the scene. The official found the captain on deck with visible facial injuries, in the presence of the drivers.
An EKAB ambulance collected the injured man and initially transferred him to Hermioni Health Centre and subsequently to Nafplion General Hospital for further medical care. Two of the drivers involved, aged 25, were also transferred to Hermioni Health Centre under escort by Port Authority personnel.
Three additional drivers, aged 51, 52 and 55, presented themselves at the Port Authority of Portocheli. All five were arrested for obstruction of traffic, dangerous bodily harm and affray, under articles 292, 309 and 313 of the Criminal Code. The vessel ultimately departed for Spetses after the injured captain was replaced.
'Tolerance has ended'
The Pan-Hellenic Union of Merchant Navy Ship Captains (PEPEN) condemned the incident in particularly harsh language, characterising it as a "thuggish, mafia-type attack and violence" against the captain whilst on duty. The Union emphasises that their colleague suffered an unprovoked and brutal attack whilst attempting to ensure the smooth and safe loading of the vessel.
"The perpetrators did not merely cause serious bodily harm to our colleague," PEPEN states, arguing that their actions endangered the safety of passengers and crew and disrupted the operation of ferry services.
PEPEN calls for criminal prosecution based on the felony provisions of article 291 of the Criminal Code and exemplary punishment of those responsible. "Tolerance has ended," the Union announces in stern terms.
At the same time, it calls on the Port Authorities to strengthen the protection of ship captains and seafarers whilst they perform their duties. "It is inconceivable that the physical integrity and indeed the very lives of seafaring people should be at risk in the name of the lawlessness of anyone whatsoever," PEPEN emphasises.
The Union states that it stands alongside the injured captain and calls on all relevant authorities to assume their responsibilities "before we mourn victims."
Source: Dikastiko.gr