Vehicle Ferry Catches Fire North of Mykonos

A significant fire broke out on the vehicle ferry Blue Carrier 2 on the morning of October 26, 2023, approximately 3 nautical miles north of the popular Greek island of Mykonos. The blaze originated in the vessel's garage area, quickly escalating and necessitating a large-scale emergency response. Greek coast guard vessels, alongside privately owned ships and tugboats, converged on the scene to assist in the evacuation and firefighting efforts. All 256 passengers and 22 crew members aboard the ferry were successfully evacuated without reported injuries. The Blue Carrier 2, which had departed from Piraeus, the port of Athens, and was en route to Heraklion, Crete, was carrying 160 vehicles at the time of the incident. The ferry is operated by Blue Star Ferries, a subsidiary of Attica Group, a prominent Greek ferry company. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation by maritime authorities. Initial reports from the Hellenic Coast Guard indicated that the fire started in the lower deck's garage. The vessel was reportedly carrying a mix of cars, trucks, and other commercial vehicles. The evacuation operation involved multiple agencies, including the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Hellenic Navy, and the Port Police, coordinating with the ferry's crew and nearby civilian vessels. The proximity of the incident to Mykonos, a major tourist destination, underscored the urgency of the situation. The Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy stated that all passengers and crew were safely transferred to other vessels and subsequently transported to the port of Mykonos. The Blue Carrier 2, a Ro-Pax ferry built in 2000, has a capacity for approximately 1,500 passengers and 170 vehicles. The incident highlights ongoing concerns regarding safety protocols on large passenger and vehicle ferries operating in busy maritime routes. Investigations into the precise origin and spread of the fire are expected to examine factors such as vehicle loading procedures, potential electrical faults, and the effectiveness of onboard fire suppression systems. The successful evacuation of all individuals aboard the vessel is a testament to the coordinated efforts of the emergency services and the crew. The ferry itself sustained significant damage from the fire and is currently being managed by tugboats to prevent any further environmental hazards. The incident occurred during a period of high maritime traffic in the Aegean Sea, underscoring the complexities of managing such emergencies in congested waters. Authorities are also assessing the economic impact of the ferry's incapacitation on the Crete-Piraeus route. The Hellenic Coast Guard has initiated a formal inquiry into the incident, which will involve detailed inspections of the vessel's safety equipment and operational logs. The focus remains on ensuring the safety of passengers and crew across all ferry operations in Greek waters.