Speedboat catches fire and sinks off Athens coast; 63-year-old captain arrested
A fire broke out on a speedboat near the islet of Fleves in the Saronic Gulf on Friday, forcing four people to abandon ship before the vessel sank. The 63-year-old captain was later arrested on suspicion of causing a shipwreck.
Fire and rescue
A fire erupted on a speedboat on the morning of Friday, 3 July 2026, approximately 1.5 nautical miles east of Fleves island, in the sea area of Vouliagmeni, Saronic Gulf. The four occupants, a 63-year-old captain and three 22-year-old passengers, abandoned the burning boat by jumping into the water. They were promptly picked up by the passenger-sailboat "YAZZ" and later transferred to a Coast Guard patrol boat, which took them safely to the port of Lavrio. All four are reported to be in good health.
Fire outbreak on a Greek-flagged speedboat in the sea area of Vouliagmeni, with four occupants, who were picked up by a passing vessel and are in good health. Two Coast Guard vessels, two Fire Service boats, and two private boats with Coast Guard personnel are heading to the area. Weather conditions in the area are good.
Emergency response
Coast Guard and Fire Service units raced to the scene. The response included two Coast Guard patrol boats, two Fire Service boats, and two private vessels carrying Coast Guard staff. A newly acquired Fire Service speedboat of type RAFNAR (FIFI 45), stationed at the new Lavrio Port Fire Station, took part in extinguishing the blaze. The yacht, reported as 15 metres long, was completely engulfed in flames, generating thick black smoke that covered the sky.
- Fire breaks out aboard the speedboat 1.5 nm east of Fleves island.
- Four occupants abandon the vessel; rescued by sailboat YAZZ.
- Coast Guard and Fire Service vessels arrive; firefighting begins.
- Boat sinks during the firefighting operation.
- Captain arrested by Palaia Fokaia port authority.
Sinking and pollution check
During the firefighting operation the speedboat sank. An anti-pollution vessel from the Coast Guard later inspected the area and found no signs of marine pollution.
Investigation and arrest
After the survivors were brought ashore, the 63-year-old captain was arrested by officers from the A' Port Department of Palaia Fokaia. He faces charges under article 277 of the Greek Penal Code for causing a shipwreck. A preliminary investigation into the cause of the fire is underway; authorities have not yet determined what sparked the blaze. Early reports described the vessel either as a Polish-flagged speedboat or a Greek-flagged superyacht; the differing flag reports remain unresolved.
