Four arrests following fatal accident at Patra port

Four individuals have been arrested in connection with Friday morning’s fatal accident at Patra port, which led to the death of a 47-year-old female crew member. The arrested individuals include the terminal tractor driver, who is accused of manslaughter by negligence, as well as the captain, chief officer and the person responsible for the ship’s loading ramp, who all face charges of exposing individuals to danger. They are expected to appear before a prosecutor later today. The tragic incident occurred when the crew member, who had been working on the loading ramp of a ship that had arrived from Venice, was fatally struck by a truck during the unloading process. Authorities are investigating the circumstances, with reports suggesting that the driver may not have seen the sailor as the truck exited, dragging her and causing fatal injuries. She was rushed to Patra University Hospital but was later pronounced dead. The truck driver, a 44-year-old man, was also taken to the hospital after feeling unwell. The Attica Group, which had chartered the vessel on which the deckhand served, expressed its condolences to the deckhand’s family. "The Attica Group expresses its deep sorrow for the loss of a fellow sailor, a member of the hotel crew, who was swept away by a truck while leaving the chartered ship AF Claudia, which is under the Italian flag.” In response to the tragedy, the Patra Labor Center has called for a 24-hour strike at the port, starting at 7 p.m., with a protest rally scheduled for 6.30 pm. The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) has demanded an immediate investigation into the accident, citing repeated safety violations in the maritime industry. Shipping Minister Vasilis Kikilias expressed condolences to the sailor's family and emphasized the importance of prioritizing the safety of workers at sea. An official investigation has been ordered into the incident.