A serious maritime accident occurred overnight near the Corinth Canal and the Gulf of Kechries, after a Malta-flagged yacht collided with a small fishing boat carrying two Greek nationals.
One of the two fishermen was taken to hospital unconscious following the collision, while the Greek captain of the yacht was later arrested on prosecutors’ orders under the automatic-flagrancy procedure.
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the yacht carried six passengers and 11 crew members, while two Greek nationals were aboard the small fishing vessel.
The yacht’s tender recovered both fishermen after the collision. Ambulances from Greece’s National Emergency Aid Centre (EKAB) then transported them to Corinth General Hospital. Initial reports indicated that one of the two men arrived at the hospital without consciousness.
Authorities investigate how the collision happened
The circumstances surrounding the collision remain under investigation, with authorities examining how the two vessels came onto a collision course during the night.
According to information reported by Ta Nea, the small fishing boat allegedly operated without navigation lights, a detail that investigators are expected to examine closely.
Authorities will also examine whether the yacht detected the smaller vessel in sufficient time through its available navigation and surveillance systems and whether the required bridge watches were operating normally.
The preliminary investigation, maritime traffic data and statements from those involved are expected to shed light on the sequence of events.
What does MarineTraffic show?
The vessel-tracking data could provide additional information about the movements of the yacht and other vessels in the area around the time of the collision.
However, tracking data alone cannot establish responsibility for the accident. Investigators will need to compare the vessels’ recorded movements with radar information, witness accounts and other evidence.
Yacht remains in the area as captain faces arrest
Following the collision, the yacht reportedly remained stationary in the Isthmus area while the Coast Guard investigated the incident.
Following an order from the prosecutor, authorities arrested the yacht’s Greek captain under the automatic-flagrancy procedure.
Investigators have not yet assigned responsibility for the collision. The Coast Guard investigation and evidence gathered for the case file will determine the circumstances and any potential liability.
Key questions investigators must answer
Several questions remain at the centre of the investigation:
- Why did the yacht fail to detect the small fishing boat in time? The yacht reportedly had a captain and chief officer, with two people assigned to bridge watches at night. Investigators will examine whether the fishing boat appeared on radar and whether the bridge crew responded appropriately.
- Why were the fishing boat’s lights allegedly switched off? Authorities will investigate why the vessel apparently operated without lights and whether its occupants were engaged in night fishing or spearfishing.
- Did either vessel see the other in time? Investigators will need to establish whether the fishermen saw the approaching yacht and, if so, why they did not move clear of its path — and, conversely, why the yacht did not take timely action to avoid the smaller vessel.
Yacht reportedly identified as Barents
The yacht involved in the collision is reportedly the Barents.
According to information cited in Greek reports, the vessel belongs to a foreign businessman. Reports also indicate that the same company or management firm that operated the yacht may have previously managed the Persephone, which attracted significant attention in 2024 after the fire that broke out on board off Hydra.
The reported connection remains part of the background to the case and does not, by itself, establish any responsibility for the latest collision.
