Minister of Maritime Affairs resigns following tragic ferry incident

·

In the wake of a tragic incident involving a ferry passenger in Piraeus last week, Minister of Maritime Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis, tendered his resignation on Monday.

According to government spokesperson Pavlos Marinakis, Christos Stylianidis, former Minister for Climate Crisis and Civil Protection in Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ previous administration, will assume the role.

The incident, which was captured on video and circulated on social media, elicited widespread outrage. The footage depicted the passenger attempting to board the Blue Horizon ferry just before its departure, only to be forcefully pushed off the loading ramp into the turbulent waters churned by the vessel’s propellers.

Regrettably, no rescue efforts were made, and the ferry continued its journey far from port until it was eventually recalled, reported Ekathimerini.

Varvitsiotis expressed his profound shock and sorrow over the incident, while identifying the victim as Antonis Karyotis, aged 36. However, during a separate television appearance, he remarked: “Today, there are people grieving for the unjustly departed; yet, the families of those who were seeking a day’s wage and are now facing accusations of a heinous act are also in mourning.”

This statement sparked considerable backlash, with many interpreting it as an attempt to equate the actions of the crewman with the tragedy suffered by the victim. Varvitsiotis sought to clarify that his words were misconstrued, attributing the misinterpretation to political motives. Nevertheless, the criticism persisted.

Minister of Maritime Affairs, Miltiadis Varvitsiotis. Photo: AFP.

“In recent days, I have become the subject of a vitriolic attack, taking on increasingly toxic overtones. A statement of mine was easily misinterpreted and caused tremendous consternation. I promptly and sincerely extended my apologies.

“I never intended to draw a parallel between the victim and those responsible. I never absolved the shipping company of the responsibilities it vehemently shirks,” he asserted in a statement announcing his resignation.”

He added, “Both my political trajectory and personal integrity dictate that I relinquish my role as Minister of Maritime Affairs and Island Policy. Consequently, I have submitted my resignation to the Prime Minister.”

Varvitsiotis’ departure marks the second resignation within Mitsotakis’ government in under two months, following Notis Mitarakis’ decision to step down from his position as Citizen Protection Minister after vacationing on a yacht near the island of Patmos while devastating wildfires ravaged Athens.

Mitarakis had also faced widespread criticism after two of his announcements regarding the police were subsequently retracted by Mitsotakis himself.

Read more: Ferry crew members testify on passenger’s death at Port Piraeus

Source: Ekathimerini

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Paul Afkos OAM: ‘Greek Australians are more Greek than Greeks living in Greece’

There is much information on Mr Afkos online. He is the longest serving post-war President of the Hellenic Community of Western Australia.

How accurate are film representations of Greek Australian culture?

Australia's multicultural space allows its film industry to depict and dissect the cultural lives of those who reside Down Under.

Greece leads world’s largest shipping fleets

Greece continues to dominate in global shipping capacity, per the latest United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) data.

Marina Raphael named artistic director for Elie Saab’s handbag line

Marina Raphael, founder and creative director of her namesake handbag brand, has been appointed as Elie Saab’s newest artistic director.

Three Greek coffees among the world’s best

The recent list of top coffee drinks worldwide, presented by Taste Atlas, features 62 varieties, with three Greek coffees securing spots in the Top 10.

You May Also Like

Team Greece storm into the United Cup Perth City final

Team Greece are through to the United Cup City Finals in Perth, Western Australia after Maria Sakkari defeated Belgium's Elise Mertens.

Nick Kyrgios claims five-set thriller to advance to Wimbledon second round

Nick Kyrgios is through to the second round at Wimbledon after beating rising French star, Ugo Humbert, in five sets.

The Greek Herald calls on children to design its Christmas print cover

Calling all children aged 5 to 15! The Greek Herald wants YOU to design its special Christmas edition print cover.