MN KOSTAS

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Ship partially sank, master and bridge officer taken in custody

On the morning of Aug 19, the “MN Kostas” has partially sunk, with only its bow still visible above water, a few weeks after running aground on a mapped reef in the Kypriamadi area three nautical miles west of Cape Sidero, en route from Sitia to Beirut with a cargo of gypsum. On Aug 20, the tug 'Agaian Pelagos' (IMO: 9477012) remained at the sinking site. The ship had suffered serious damage, causing a water ingress and a list. The crew of 14 abandoned the vessel in time and were rescued with the assistance of the Coast Guard, local fishing boats and private vessels, without any injuries. No marine pollution was observed. The authorities proceeded to immediately pump out fuel and lubricants, unload the gypsum cargo and seal the critical points of the ship, limiting the risk of environmental impact, using towing and salvage vessels, floating cranes, and another cargo ship. They contracted the salvage company SEAGATE, which managed the pumping and recovery effort, deploying the two tugs 'Kaptain Dimitris IV' and 'Kaptain Dimitris III',. both equipped with environmental protection and pumping systems, along with the salvage vessel 'Aigaion Pelagos' to safeguard navigation safety throughout the operation. In total, approximately 37 tons of diesel fuel were removed, alongside hydrocarbons, lubricants, paints, and other hazardous substances. Most of the gypsum cargo was also offloaded. During the works, a floating boom was placed around the ship and additional anti-pollution equipment was put on standby in the sea area of the grounding and in the port of Sitia, while no marine pollution was observed. The case is under investigation by the Sitia Port Authority, while the master and the bridge officer were taken into custody as part of the preliminary investigation, based on criminal provisions relating to causing a shipwreck and violations of maritime regulations. The Sitia Port Authority, which was conducting the preliminary investigation, convened the advisory committee of article 9, paragraph 7 of Law 2881/2001 (Regulation of shipwreck salvage issues and other provisions), which characterized the "MN KOSTAS" as a shipwreck and decided to remove it under the responsibility of the ship's management company, as due to its location and condition it constitutes a shipping hazard. The company has been informed accordingly. Reports with photos: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1278546/cargo-ship-sinks-off-northeastern-crete/ https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/08/21/cargo-ship-mn-kostas-sinks-crete-sitia/ https://www.tovima.com/society/mn-kostas-half-sunken-cargo-ship-off-crete-to-be-removed/

Ship ran aground off Crete

On the night of July 24, 2025, the 'MN Kostas', with 14 crew members on board ran aground off the northeastern tip of Crete, en route from Sitia to Chekka with a cargo of gypsum. The ship got stuck on a reef about six nautical miles off Sitia, and about three nautical miles west of Sideros in pos. 35° 19' N 026° 15' E. It suffered hull damage and water ingress. The Greek Coast Guard deployed three patrol boats to the grounding site. All crew members were safely evacuated aboard the f/v 'Anna Tasia', with the assistance of nearby fishing vessels and private crafts. The castaways were taken to Sitia. There were no reports of injuries. The authorities were monitoring the area for any signs of pollution. An oil boom was laid out around the ship. The three tugs 'Achilleas', 'Captain Dimitris IV' and 'Mentoras' were initially deployed from Heraklion to assist. A fourth tug was expected to arrive to provide further technical support. On July 28, the offshore tugs 'Captain Dimitris III' (IMO: 9515072) and 'Aigaion Pelagos (MO: 9477012) were stationary at the grounding site, joined by the 'Captain Dioitris IV' (IMO: 9998236) on July 29, which remained on site as of July 31. Divers inspected the hull for damage. The Sitia Port Authority sent personnel aboard the 'Anna Tasia'. and launched a preliminary investigation into the grounding. The ship’s captain and the acting bridge watch officer have been arrested. They were being investigated under Article 277, paragraph 2 of the Greek Penal Code for causing a shipwreck, and Article 225 of the Public Maritime Law Code for violating regulations aimed at avoiding collisions, in this case, with a reef. Earlier in 2025,, the ship was cited for labour-related violations. The International Labour Organisation reported that the crew had only received half of their wages for four months, with a total of nearly $18,500 owed. The issue was later resolved. Report with photo and video: https://www.hcg.gr/el/epikairothta/prosara3h-fg-ploioy-sth-shteia-entopismos-kai-diaswsh-113-allodapwn-notia-ths-gaydoy/ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv0PixBdXAI