Greek ferry carrying 68 passengers collides with moored water taxi in Skiathos port

Collision during docking in Skiathos port

The passenger and vehicle ferry Nisos Aegina struck a moored water taxi on the evening of 24 August 2026 while completing its docking manoeuvre at the port of Skiathos. The incident occurred as the vessel approached the quay, coming into direct physical contact with the sea taxi Mitera Panagia, which was berthed alongside the pier. Local port officials and maritime services responded immediately to secure the scene at the waterfront. Greek Coast Guard personnel confirmed that neither vessel suffered catastrophic structural breach during the contact. Port authority reports confirmed that the collision produced no injuries among individuals aboard the ferry or on the dockside. Environmental surveys conducted across the harbor basin established that no oil spill or marine pollution occurred as a consequence of the accident.

Passenger manifest and vehicle transport

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the Nisos Aegina was transporting 68 passengers across the island route at the time of the collision. In addition to the passengers, the roll-on/roll-off vessel was carrying 17 private passenger cars and 6 two-wheeled motor vehicles on its vehicle deck. The water taxi Mitera Panagia was completely empty when the collision took place, with no passengers or crew members stationed aboard. Because no people were present on the water taxi, emergency responders did not need to conduct search and rescue operations or deploy medical teams. The 68 ferry passengers faced travel disruption at Skiathos while port authorities gathered initial reports and checked the safety of the vessel.

Service itinerary and vessel detention

The Nisos Aegina was operating a scheduled commercial crossing connecting mainland ports with the northern Sporades archipelago. The service linked the port of Mantoudi on Euboea with Glossa on the island of Skopelos and the island of Skiathos. Following the impact at the pier, the competent port authority issued an immediate sailing ban prohibiting both the Nisos Aegina and the Mitera Panagia from departing. Both ships were ordered to remain immobilized at their berths in Skiathos port until comprehensive technical surveys are concluded. Under maritime safety regulations, the ferry requires formal approval from an accredited classification society surveyor before it can legally resume passenger services.

Technical inspections and next steps

Marine inspectors and classification society representatives must complete a full structural assessment of the Nisos Aegina's hull and propulsion systems. The inspection focuses on verifying that the impact with the moored water taxi caused no hidden damage below or near the waterline. The water taxi Mitera Panagia must likewise undergo examination by qualified marine surveyors to evaluate any structural damage sustained along its side hull. Passengers aboard the ferry remained waiting at the port facility while shipping representatives and port officials reviewed options for their onward transit to scheduled destinations. The sailing prohibition will stay in effect until official seaworthiness certificates are submitted and approved by the harbor master.