Fire breaks out on sailboat in Paxos, sinking the vessel and spreading to another boat

There was a serious maritime accident on Thursday afternoon in Paxos, when, under circumstances that remain unclear, a fire broke out on a sailing vessel at approximately 1:00 p.m.

The fire spread rapidly and quickly grew out of control, ultimately causing the sailboat to sink, but not before the flames had spread to a nearby vessel.

Authorities responded immediately with a large-scale mobilisation. A major firefighting operation was launched right away, both on land and at sea. The following units are operating at the scene:

• 4 fire engines from the Paxos Fire Service.
• Marine vessels that arrived as reinforcements from Igoumenitsa.
• Local volunteer teams, who are actively assisting in the firefighting effort from the sea using water pumps.

According to initial reports, the most positive development is that no one was in danger, as all those on board were evacuated in time and are in good health.

Firefighting forces are continuing their work to fully bring the situation under control and to limit material damage to the second vessel.

ELENI KORONAKI