Greek ferry Hyperspeed Jet 4 hit with sailing ban after striking Rafina port during docking
The passenger ferry Hyperspeed Jet 4 struck the port of Rafina while docking without passengers on Sunday morning. No other vessel was involved and no injuries were reported, but the Hellenic Coast Guard imposed a temporary sailing ban.
What happened
The Greek-flagged roll-on/roll-off passenger fast ferry Hyperspeed Jet 4 collided with infrastructure during the docking procedure at the port of Rafina early on Sunday. At the time of impact, the vessel was empty of passengers and no other ship was present inside the port. The Hellenic Coast Guard confirmed the incident occurred without involvement of a second craft. Winds were northerly at 5 to 6 on the Beaufort scale.
Immediate response
The local Port Authority immediately prohibited the vessel from sailing. The ban will remain in force until the ship undergoes the required inspections and its operator presents valid seaworthiness certificates. The Coast Guard stated that the standard protocol for such an incident is being followed.
Disruption to passengers
The ferry had been scheduled to sail a standard service to the Cycladic islands of Andros, Tinos and Mykonos. It was due to carry 250 passengers, 27 private cars and six motorcycles. The shipping line will make alternative arrangements to forward the stranded travellers to their destinations.
