A public urgent mixed session of the Municipal Council took place yesterday, June 29, 2024, at 7:00 PM in the meeting hall of the Cultural Center, both in person and via teleconference. The sole agenda item was:
- Decision on taking preventive measures to prohibit the docking of the cargo ship “BLUE SHARK (IMO: 9003770)” under the Togolese flag at the port of Kalymnos.
The hall was filled with concerned local government officials, legal representatives, tourism and fishing industry stakeholders, and professional fishermen. They unanimously decided to legally oppose the request of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs to dock the hazardous cargo ship, filled with fuel, which had been abandoned by its owner.
The ship had been towed from Tilos in 2023 by ARGO S.A. to provide assistance after it developed a fault, but the owner neglected it. The ship is now in a dangerous position outside the island’s port and has already collided with a local fishing boat. Even ferry captains have protested the ship’s dangerous location. It was proposed that the ship be moved to another suitable port to avoid environmental disaster in Kalymnos. The crew, living in inhumane conditions, should be evacuated immediately without docking, using rescue procedures.
Lastly, it was decided that if their request is not heeded, they would proceed with mobilizations to prevent the docking of the Blue Shark, which could lead to adverse environmental and economic impacts on the island. Citizens and officials expressed their anger at the Ministry of Maritime Affairs proposed solution, feeling it greatly undermines the people of Kalymnos.
