On August 29, the 175 meter long, 5351 dwt ro-ro passenger ferry El Venizelos caught fire off Piraeus, Greece. The El Venizelos was headed to Chania from Piraeus with various vehicles along with 875 passengers and 141 crew.  Some 30 miles off Piraeus, a vehicle caught fire which spewed out dense black smoke.  The ferry’s fire suppression system was able to contain the blaze quickly, but many compartments were filled with smoke.  The El Venizelos returned to Piraeus where passengers were safely evacuated and fire fighters extinguished the fire.

Reports state the vessel sustained minimal damage from the fire. Several passengers have stated there was some panic as they gathered on the lifeboat deck.  However, there were no reports of injuries.