MN Kostas
On the night of July 24, the 105 meter long, 5813 dwt cargo vessel MN Kostas (IMO: 9103489) ran aground in the Mediterranean Sea off the northeastern tip of Crete, Greece. The MN Kostas departed from Sitia, Crete bound for Chekka, Lebanon, with a cargo of plaster when it ran aground on a reef some 6 nautical miles off Sitia. The cargo vessel sustained hull damage and water ingress.
The Greek Coast Guard was alerted and dispatched 3 patrol boats to the scene. Assisted by nearby fishing and private vessels , all 14 crew members were safely evacuated and taken to Sitia. No reports of injuries. Four tugboats were dispatched from Heraklion to start salvage operations. Divers inspected the MN Kostas hull for damage. Authorities are monitoring the area for any signs of pollution released.
Reports state the Sitia Port Authority has launched an investigation into the incident. Authorities have arrested the master and the acting bridge officer under the Greek Penal Code for causing a shipwreck. The MS Kostas had prior legal issues a few months prior. The owners of the cargo vessel were cited for only paying the crew half their wages over the last several months.