The Internal Affairs Directorate’s preliminary investigation revealed errors and omissions by officials in handling the Hydra fire case in June involving a yacht, it was reported on Tuesday.
According to SKAI TV, the report mentions abuse of power and negligence in the performance of their duties by the chief fire officer of the fire service’s arson department, as well as officials of the Hydra port authority.
The investigation concluded that the Galata firefighters failed to take charge of the case, even though the incident occurred within their area of responsibility. In addition, the port authority of Hydra was informed by a nearby ship of the yacht’s alleged involvement in the fire, but did not immobilize the yacht or conduct a search.
The next day, on 22 June, the fire brigade arrived in Vouliagmeni to take statements from the 10 Kazakh passengers. However, after examining them, they allowed them to leave the country on a private flight, despite strong indications that they had actively participated in the incident. They reportedly informed the prosecutor after letting them off.
In June, a major fire broke out in the only pine forest on the island of Hydra in the Saronic Sea, which witnesses said was caused by fireworks launched from a private yacht rented by a Kazakh businessman.
Authorities arrested all 13 crew members and charged eight adult Kazakh passengers who were on board the yacht but managed to leave the country. All those involved face charges of arson by negligence.
