Captain arrested after fire sinks two yachts off Paxos

Paxos port authorities have arrested the 30-year-old captain of a tourist vessel following a significant fire that led to the sinking of two yachts. The incident occurred Thursday afternoon near the old Paxos seaplane base, causing considerable damage and marine pollution.

The fire reportedly began on one passenger-tourist boat, which arrived at the scene already ablaze. The 18 American passengers and four crew members aboard were safely disembarked. The blaze then spread to a second nearby tourist boat, carrying four crew members – one Greek and three Egyptian nationals – who were also evacuated without injury.

Emergency services, including coast guard vessels, fire department boats, private craft, and a tugboat, responded to the scene. Firefighting vehicles and personnel from various agencies, including the Hellenic Police and local volunteers, assisted in the efforts. Despite their coordinated actions, both vessels sank. Nearby boats sustained damage, and a marine pollution area of approximately 100 square meters formed. Anti-pollution measures, including booms and absorbent materials, were deployed to contain the spill.