Bunker tanker contacts moored tug in Piraeus, captain arrested

A Greek-flagged bunker tanker made contact with a moored tugboat at the Port of Piraeus on November 13, following a reported malfunction of its bridge control system. The incident occurred in the Xaveri area while the tanker was manoeuvring away from a cruise ship after completing a bunkering operation.

According to a statement issued by the Hellenic Coast Guard on November 14, the tanker struck the port side of the tugboat, which was also flying the Greek flag. The Coast Guard attributed the incident to a malfunction of the tanker’s bridge control equipment.

The tanker’s captain was subsequently arrested by officers of the Tzelepis Port Authority for an alleged violation of collision-prevention regulations in conjunction with provisions of the Greek Penal Code concerning negligence. The arrest was carried out under the authority of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus.

Following the incident, authorities temporarily prohibited both vessels from departing the port. The restrictions were subsequently lifted after the required inspection certificates were submitted by the classification societies responsible for the vessels.

The Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed that no injuries were reported and that the incident did not result in marine pollution. The official announcement did not identify the vessels involved.