Authorities in Greece have arrested three people in connection with a vessel collision that occurred off Kefalonia in the Ionian Islands on Tuesday, August 18.
The Hellenic Coast Guard said an anchored sightseeing vessel went adrift and accidentally struck an anchored ferry near Megas Lakkos Beach at around noon (local time) on Tuesday.
A 67-year-old male on the ferry suffered slight injuries after he fell from a ladder when the collision occurred. The coast guard identified this individual as one of the owners of the ferry.
Both vessels were then ordered to proceed to the Port of Argostoli to offload their passengers. Port officials have prohibited the vessels' departure pending the presentation of seaworthiness certificates by their respective class societies.
The injured male was brought to hospital for treatment and has since been discharged. The coast guard said this individual was later arrested since it was found that he had illegally taken over the command of the vessel.
The co-owner also faces other charges including issuing a false testimony, disruption of transportation safety, violation of collision avoidance regulations, and irregular steering of a vessel.
Two of the ferry's crew have also been arrested for issuing false testimonies while the captain is wanted on charges including abandonment of position, desertion, and non-attendance to take up duty.
The coast guard added that the Port Authority of Kefalonia is conducting an investigation into the collision.
No pollution was observed as a result of the accident.
