A Greek prosecutor has charged 13 crew members of a yacht with arson following allegations that fireworks launched from the vessel ignited a forest fire on the island of Hydra. The semi-official Athens News Agency (ANA) reported on Sunday that the crew, all Greek nationals, were arrested on Saturday at a marina near Athens.
The forest fire, which began late Friday, burned part of Hydra’s only pine forest. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control early Saturday. Witness accounts, as cited by Civil Protection Minister Vassilis Kikilias on Open TV, indicated that the crew burned part of the forest on the island.
The yacht, chartered by foreign tourists, has been seized by Greek authorities. Despite the serious charges, all crew members have denied any wrongdoing. They, along with the captain, are set to respond to the charges before an investigator on Wednesday.
“The crew and the captain will respond to the charges before an investigator on Wednesday,” ANA news agency said.
Hydra, located southwest of Athens in the Saronic Gulf, is a popular destination for foreign visitors and yachting enthusiasts. The incident has raised concerns about fire safety and the use of fireworks in such sensitive areas.
Melissa Enoch
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