A 20-year-old seaman, working as an engine cleaner on the “Blue Star Chios”, was killed yesterday morning after being trapped in a manually operated sliding watertight door in the ship’s garage during its Rhodes–Piraeus route. The sailor had been employed on the vessel for only 10 days. [1], [2]
The ship docked at Piraeus at 09:10, where an ambulance transported him, unconscious, to Tzaneio Hospital, where his death was confirmed.
On the vessel, as on every large ferry, there are six watertight doors that serve as safety barriers in case of accidents or flooding. Colleagues of the victim explained that these doors each weigh over a ton, require a special lever to open, and close automatically, giving only a few seconds for someone to pass through.
The ship’s Captain and Chief Engineer were arrested in connection with the accident and later released.
“Today at 8:00 a.m. on Blue Star Chios, which was operating the Rhodes–Piraeus route, a crew member was found unconscious, trapped in a watertight sliding door. The crew immediately freed him and provided first aid,” read a company statement from Blue Star.
Following the fatal workplace accident, the ship’s Captain and Chief Engineer were arrested and later released, facing charges of involuntary manslaughter. They were referred to the prosecutor yesterday.
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