Photo credit: Hellenic Coast Guard
A Sierra Leone-flagged general cargo ship, MN Kostas, is half-sunken in the Kyriamadi sea area in Sitia, Crete, with only its bow still visible above water.
A serious maritime incident occurred on July 24, 2025, when the ship ran aground at the location, approximately three nautical miles west of Sideros.
According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Port Authority of Sitia was informed that the general cargo ship has suffered a vertical sinking to the starboard, with the bow protruding from the water.
Following the grounding, a contractor carried out operations to pump out fuels and lubricants, unload the cargo (gypsum), and seal the ship’s ventilation and distribution points, using tugboats, salvage vessels, floating cranes, and another cargo ship.
During the operations, a floating barrier was placed around the vessel, and additional anti-pollution equipment was immediately put on standby both at the grounding site and in the port of Sitia. No marine pollution has been observed.
The Sitia Port Authority, which is conducting the preliminary investigation, convened the advisory committee under article 9, paragraph 7 of law 2881/2001 (regulation on wreck removal and other provisions).
The committee decided on its removal under the responsibility of the vessel’s managing company, with the company being reportedly informed accordingly.
Following the incident, all 14 crew members were safely evacuated, and transported to the port of Sitia.
The Coast Guard dispatched three patrol vessels, while the Sitia Port Authority sent personnel aboard a fishing boat. Additional assistance came from nearby ships and private craft.
Photo credit: Hellenic Coast Guard
The crew was transported back to Sitia, and authorities immediately launched an investigation into the circumstances of the grounding. Divers have been deployed to assess the condition of the reef.
