Serious safety issues at Mastichari port in Kos are highlighted in a letter by Vasilios Psarobas, from Kalymnos Travel Group, addressed to the President of the Municipal Port Fund of Kos, dated April 19, 2026.
According to the document, the port has experienced a continuous deterioration over the past two months due to sediment buildup and reduced depth, caused by severe winter weather conditions. The situation is now considered dangerous for vessels and passengers following multiple grounding incidents and damages that were not widely reported.
Reported incidents include:
- Grounding of “OLYMPIOS ERMIS” with severe damage and suspension of its calls at Mastichari
- Damage to “KALYMNOS DOLPHIN,” which suspended operations for five days
- Grounding of “OLYMPIOS ZEUS,” which remains under repair in Perama
- Another grounding incident involving “KALYMNOS DOLPHIN,” with risk of capsizing
The letter notes that sand accumulation is rapidly reducing depth, while conditions at the port entrance increase wave height, significantly raising the risk of grounding or even vessel capsizing, including for vessels with shallow draft
It also emphasizes the strategic importance of Mastichari port as a key connection between Kos and Kalymnos, a primary gateway for tourism to Kalymnos, and a vital hub for passenger, workforce, and goods transportation.
With the tourist season already underway, the need for the port’s safe operation is described as critical for ongoing tourism activity.
The author describes the situation as a “state of emergency” and calls for immediate action either to restore the port’s safety and functionality or to temporarily close it if deemed unsafe for passenger vessels.
