Luxury superyacht passengers face arrest over wildfire in Greece

Prosecutors in Piraeus are seeking the arrest of a luxurious superyacht and the detention of its 13 passengers and crewmembers, who are suspected of starting a wildfire on a popular resort island south of Athens. Greece is currently experiencing an intense heat wave, with temperatures exceeding 110 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas. An extreme fire risk warning was issued last week due to the high heat and potential for strong winds that could fuel forest fires. Activities that could start wildfires were banned during this time.

A massive forest fire broke out on the island of Hydra, burning through 3,000 acres of pine forest in just 24 hours. It took six aircraft and two firefighting teams to control the blaze, according to climate minister Vasilis Kikilias. Prosecutors believe the fire on Hydra was ignited by fireworks launched from the deck of the 175-foot superyacht Persefoni I, as reported by a nearby vessel’s master.

The crew of the superyacht was detained in Piraeus and appeared before a criminal court. The passengers on board are Kazakh nationals, as per local media reports. The mayor of Hydra, Giorgos Koukoudakis, condemned the irresponsible use of fireworks during a ban, which resulted in the destruction of a beautiful pine forest. The case has garnered significant attention in Greece, as authorities highlight the strain on firefighting resources caused by preventable incidents like this. If convicted, the perpetrators could face up to 20 years in prison or a hefty fine under Greece’s strengthened anti-arson laws.

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