Greek Officer Cites Weather in Sinking; Fleet Safety an Issue

Four officers and crew members were charged with murder Thursday over a ferry sinking that killed at least 66 people, but one of the suspects blamed bad weather for the disaster.

“Bad weather stopped us turning the boat,” said Anastasios Psychoyos, captain’s deputy of the Express Samina, which crashed into rocks Tuesday just outside the main port of this resort island.

“The weather pushed us on the rocks. We had maintained a safe distance,” he told reporters, without giving further details.

Investigators are also examining reports that essential crewmen left the bridge to watch a soccer match--a charge Psychoyos also denied.

The Express Samina had more than 500 people aboard when it sank in rough seas. But government officials said the crew acted with “criminal negligence” since the rocky islets were well marked and carried a light beacon.

The ferry’s operating company, Minoan Flying Dolphins, has blamed the accident on the captain. But the company’s safety record is coming under increased scrutiny.

Late Thursday, another Minoan ferry, the Express Artemis, crashed into the harbor wall on the island of Naxos, near Paros, the Merchant Marine Ministry said.

The ship suffered minor damage, and there were no injuries, the ministry said.

Tuesday’s accident drew attention to Greece’s aging fleet of ships, many used on busy tourist routes. An appeals court prosecutor late Thursday ordered random safety inspections at large ports to begin immediately.

“If you check all the ferries, I imagine that only one or two are above standard. If you report a problem, you’re in danger of losing your job,” said Yannis Manousoyannakis, leader of the Greek Seamen’s Union.