Discover the Kissamos: Ratings & Maritime News

On March 27, 2026, at dawn, the Greek Coast Guard's Joint Rescue Coordination Center (JRCC) alerted the Port Authorities of Hydra, Poros, Lavrio, Saronic Gulf, Aegina, and Piraeus regarding a mechanical issue aboard the ferry 'Kissamos'. The incident took place approximately 13.9 nautical miles southeast of Hydra while the ferry was on its scheduled journey from Souda to Piraeus, with a considerable number of passengers and vehicles on board. Specifically, the ferry was carrying 83 crew members, 710 passengers, along with 59 private vehicles, 80 trucks, eight buses, and 13 motorcycles. Thanks to the swift actions of the tugs 'Christos XXXI' (IMO: 8526115) and 'Vernicos Master' (IMO: 9381469), the Kissamos was safely escorted to the Port of Piraeus. Upon arrival, the 1st Port Department, Tzelepi, of the Central Port Authority of Piraeus, placed an initial ban on the vessel sailing until necessary repairs were made. Once the issues were rectified, the ferry was cleared to resume its route.

As concerns over potential seismic activity rise, an increasing number of residents and tourists are seeking to evacuate the picturesque island of Santorini. In light of this urgent situation, ferry services are experiencing an overwhelming surge in demand, leading to complete bookings across existing routes. In a demonstration of their commitment to the local community, Blue Star Ferries has stepped up to provide essential support during this crisis. On the night of February 3, 2025, the ferry 'Kissamos,' which was en route from Crete, along with the 'Bluestar Patmos' arriving from Rhodes, were rerouted to make stops in Santorini to assist those wishing to leave the island. For video footage of the evacuation efforts, visit: https://twitter.com/i/status/1886275740888694936.

On the evening of January 7, 2024, the Port Authority of Heraklion received an urgent report from the captain of the ferry 'Blue Galaxy' regarding damage sustained by the ship. Specifically, the locking pin for the starboard side aft ramp was found to be defective just prior to its scheduled departure to Piraeus. The vessel was carrying a total of 571 passengers along with 82 members of the crew at the time of the incident. In response to the situation, the Central Port Authority issued a temporary prohibition on the ferry's departure. Following necessary repairs and the subsequent issuance of a seaworthiness certificate by the supervising classification society, 'Blue Galaxy' was eventually cleared to continue its journey to Piraeus.

On July 27, 2023, the ferry 'Blue Galaxy' encountered a mechanical issue shortly after its departure from Piraeus, where it was bound for the islands of Samos, Kos, and Rhodes. With 506 passengers and a crew of 100 on board, the vessel required the assistance of two tugboats to return safely to port. The ship was subsequently prohibited from sailing until necessary repairs were made. After a thorough fix, the 'Blue Galaxy' was cleared for departure once more, setting sail from Piraeus at 12:50 a.m. on July 28, 2023. For more details and a video report, visit https://www.protothema.gr/greece/article/1396848/peiraias-talaiporia-gia-606-epivainodes-sto-blue-galaxy-logo-mihanikis-vlavis-deite-video/