The Mn-Kostas: Crew Feedback and Vessel Data

On August 19, the cargo vessel 'MN Kostas' found itself partially submerged off the coast of Crete, with only its bow visible after a grounding incident weeks prior on a mapped reef near Kypriamadi, approximately three nautical miles from Cape Sidero. The ship was transporting a cargo of gypsum from Sitia to Beirut when the incident occurred. By August 20, the salvage tug 'Agaian Pelagos' (IMO: 9477012) was actively present at the site of the sinking. The vessel had sustained significant damage, leading to water ingress and a precarious list. Fortunately, the crew of 14 managed to abandon the ship safely and were rescued without any reported injuries, thanks to the prompt assistance of the Coast Guard, local fishing boats, and private vessels. In an effort to mitigate environmental risks, authorities quickly initiated the pumping of fuel and lubricants from the ship, while also unloading the gypsum cargo and securing critical points on the vessel. This operation involved the deployment of towing and salvage vessels, floating cranes, and another cargo ship, all coordinated with the assistance of the salvage company SEAGATE. They sent out two tugs, 'Kaptain Dimitris IV' and 'Kaptain Dimitris III', both outfitted with advanced environmental protection systems, along with the salvage vessel 'Aigaion Pelagos', to ensure navigational safety during the recovery process. In total, approximately 37 tons of diesel fuel and various hazardous materials, including lubricants, paints, and other pollutants, were successfully removed from the site. Most of the gypsum cargo was also offloaded, with a floating boom deployed around the vessel to contain any potential spills. Additional anti-pollution equipment remained on standby in the vicinity of the grounding as a precaution, but thankfully, no marine pollution was reported. The Sitia Port Authority has launched an investigation into the incident, during which the master and bridge officer of the ship were taken into custody on suspicion of causing a shipwreck and breaching maritime regulations. The Port Authority has classified the 'MN Kostas' as a shipwreck and has convened an advisory committee to oversee its removal, delegating the responsibility to the ship’s management company, citing the vessel's precarious condition and location as a shipping hazard. Notification has been given to the management company regarding the necessary actions. For further details, you can refer to the reports with photos available through these links: - https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1278546/cargo-ship-sinks-off-northeastern-crete/ - https://greekcitytimes.com/2025/08/21/cargo-ship-mn-kostas-sinks-crete-sitia/ - https://www.tovima.com/society/mn-kostas-half-sunken-cargo-ship-off-crete-to-be-removed/

In a significant maritime incident on the night of July 24, 2025, the cargo vessel 'MN Kostas' encountered trouble while sailing with a crew of 14, becoming stranded off the northeastern coast of Crete. The vessel, which was transporting plaster from Sitia to Chekka, hit a reef approximately six nautical miles from Sitia and three nautical miles west of Sideros, precisely at coordinates 35° 19' N 026° 15' E. The grounding resulted in considerable hull damage and water ingress, prompting an immediate response from the Greek Coast Guard, which dispatched three patrol boats to the scene. Fortunately, all crew members were successfully evacuated to safety aboard the fishing vessel 'Anna Tasia', with aid from local fishing boats and private vessels. The rescued individuals were taken to Sitia, and remarkably, there were no reported injuries among the crew. As part of the response efforts, authorities were vigilant in monitoring the surrounding waters for any signs of pollution, deploying an oil boom around the grounded ship to prevent environmental damage. Initial assistance was provided by three tugs – 'Achilleas', 'Captain Dimitris IV', and 'Mentoras' – which were sent from Heraklion. A fourth tug was anticipated to arrive shortly to bolster the operation. By July 28, the offshore tugs 'Captain Dimitris III' (IMO: 9515072) and 'Aigaion Pelagos' (IMO: 9477012) were stationed at the grounding site, with the 'Captain Dimitris IV' (IMO: 9998236) arriving on July 29 and remaining there as of July 31. Professional divers were engaged to inspect the hull for further damage, while personnel from the Sitia Port Authority boarded the 'Anna Tasia' to conduct a preliminary investigation. In a legal development, the ship’s captain and the bridge watch officer were arrested and face inquiries under Article 277, paragraph 2 of the Greek Penal Code related to causing a shipwreck, as well as violations of Article 225 of the Public Maritime Law Code aimed at preventing collisions. Notably, the 'MN Kostas' faced scrutiny earlier in 2025 for labor-related issues, revealed by the International Labour Organisation, which indicated that the crew had only received half of their wages over the preceding four months, amounting to a debt of nearly $18,500. Fortunately, the labor concerns have since been resolved. Updates on this unfolding story can be found in reports featuring photos and videos. For more details, visit [Hellenic Coast Guard's official page](https://www.hcg.gr/el/epikairothta/prosara3h-fg-ploioy-sth-shteia-entopismos-kai-diaswsh-113-allodapwn-notia-ths-gaydoy/) or watch the incident footage on [YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cv0PixBdXAI).