Prosecutor Panagiota Fakou has ordered an investigation into the allegations that the port authority of Rafina requested that the “Penelope A” ferry boat be removed from the port due to concerns of staff safety and environmental pollution.
The Panhellenic Merchant Navy Union (PENEN) had previously revealed the Rafina Port Authority’s allegations and request from the ship owners to remove the “Penelope A” immediately. The PENEN argued that the abandoned ferry boat’s anchor ropes broke due to strong winds last Sunday, increasing the chances of an accident or pollution.
The merchant navy union has demanded that the ship owners claim their responsibilities regarding the ship and noted that they have not yet paid the Rafina Port Authority fines worth 122,000 euros from port fees and refuse collection. Furthermore, the 56 crew members of the “Penelope A” who live on-board the ferry boat without electricity and running water have not been paid for up to 10 months.
The 56 crew members however will be paid three months worth of wages from the Merchant Seamen’s Fund, due to the ship owners’ non-payment of wages.
