A new debate has arisen around the ferry connection between Kythera and Antikythera.
Yesterday, the Mayor of Kythera Efstratios Harhalakis said through his post that, during the period of immobilization of the Aqua Jewel, the route will be operated by the vessel Sporades Star, pointing out that the replacement is provided for in the contract and that a request has been made to the Ministry of Shipping.
Today, the Organization of SYRIZA Kythera Members issued a statement claiming that this ship does not meet the needs of the line and asks for an upgrade to a higher class ship, as well as the publication of the minutes of the SAA and the recommendations of the Municipality.
The announcement follows:
«Boats pass by us, but they don't stop»...
Friday 07 November 2025
The Mayor k.Harhalakis is celebrating and «self-placed» because the 22 years old and unsuitable Aqua Jewel will be temporarily replaced by the 53 years old (its suitability is unknown) Sporades Star!!!!
We will make another desperate attempt to explain to Mr.Harhalakis what the problem is:
1) The O.M - SY.RIZ.A Kythera (as well as all those who are aware of the shipping issues) has asked for a class 1 ship to be launched. The Aqua Jewel as well as the Sporades Star are class 3. The difference lies in the ability of the ships to respond to the weather conditions in the area and beyond. The notice provides for a ship of 90 m in length. Many decades ago the line was served by ships over 100 m in length. What was done 50 years ago cannot be required today...
2) The O.M - SY.RIZ.A Kythera has requested that a replacement vessel be explicitly provided for in the contract. The era of «at my request», the era of «Blackberry» is over. The Mayor's post confirms that there was no provision for a replacement vessel in the original contract. The government and the «local frappes» simply cannot stand any more opposition, they could not leave Kythera and Antikythera without a ferry connection to Piraeus-Crete-Gythia.
3) The introduction of four-year contracts is, among other things, to help renew the obsolete shipping fleet, as stated by the relevant government officials. This means that 53 year old ships have to be replaced with newer ones...
4) The O.M - SY.RIZ.A Kythera repeats the demands and challenges it had addressed with Press release on 27 August to the Mayor:
-Give now to the public the minutes of the S.A.C. along with your own recommendations.
-Tell us how many times you have requested an upgrade of the ship serving Kythera and Antikythera in category 1 or even 2.
-Tell us how many times you protested officially for the unsuitability of the Aqua Jewel, which is unable to reach our ports even with 4-5 Beaufort, discrediting our islands on a daily basis.
For the rest, Mr. Mayor, «the oyster of the oyster is the silencer».
Kythera and Antikythera are withering away.
Young people are leaving our islands.
Public services are underperforming.
Instead of acting as a party leader of the Southwest, instead of threatening to sue anyone who criticises you, it would be better to deal with the real problems of the country.
Not that you have the skills to solve them, but at least try...
Until then we dedicate to you a song by Manos Loizos with lyrics by Fonta Ladis:
«Bum boats were whistling something
They told us to come, they winked at us
They pass in front of us but they don't stop
Their white sails were not for us»...
The thought boulder sent a letter and caused a political earthquake.
Just as it happened with his letter on the closure of the River Post Office.
Just as he did with his letter to the RAE and is still waiting for a reply.
Every time he writes a letter, everyone shakes.