«All Together»: Strong reaction to ferry accident – Immediate answers and accountability demanded

The long-standing problem of the ferry connection of Kythera and Antikythera is taking on serious dimensions, as the constant cancellations, the lack of timely information and the sloppy planning have led the islands to a situation of effective exclusion.

The straw that broke the camel's back came today, when the scheduled route on the line Gythio - Kythira - Antikythera - Kastelli Kissamos was suddenly cancelled in the morning and a few hours later, it was announced again that it will be operated only on the section Gythio - Kythira - Gythio. This decision, taken and announced just 3.5 hours before sailing, caused indignation and strong reactions from residents, professionals and local bodies.

In an urgent letter to the Mayor of Kythera and Antikythera, Mr. Christos Stylianidis and the deputies of the A’ Piraeus, the head of the municipal faction «All Together Kythira - Antikythera», Mr. Zacharias Souris, denounces the situation as «extreme irresponsibility» and asks for immediate accountability and explanations for the current incident. At the same time, he demands the institutional intervention of the Municipality and the activation of all relevant bodies to find a permanent and reliable solution. The letter follows:

Kythera, Wednesday 05 March 2025

To:
The Mayor of Kythera & Antikythera κ. Mr. Efstratios Harhalakis.

Disclosure:

Minister of Shipping & Island Policy

• κ. Christos Stylianidis.

Members of Parliament of Piraeus

• κ. Konstantinos Katsafados.
• Mrs. Domna-Maria Michaelidou.
• κ. Nikolaos Vlachako.
• κ. Alexis Tsipras.
• κ. Nikolaos Abatiello

Subject: Urgent Need for an Immediate Solution and Accountability for the Piraeus - Kythira - Antikythera - Kastelli Kissamos - Gythio Shipping Link.

Dear Mr. Mayor,

The situation with the ferry connection of Kythera & Antikythera has now gone beyond the limits of mere inconvenience and has turned into a a matter of extreme irresponsibility and complete indifference on the part of the competent authorities.

Constant uncertainty, cancellations without warning, sloppy planning and lack of official information have led to the island being blockaded.

Despite initial expectations, the problems in the ferry connection of our islands have not only not been solved but continue, creating more uncertainty, indignation and concern among residents, professionals and visitors. The arrival of the S/S KEFALONIA may have seemed like a temporary solution, but the serious issues remain unresolved and are even getting worse.

The current unprecedented situation, with the itinerary Gythio - Kythera - Antikythera - Kissamos To cancelled in the morning and to it is re-announced in the afternoon that there will be a normal service at 17:00 pm., just 3,5 hours before sailing, but only the leg Gytheio - Kythira - Gytheio demonstrates criminal irresponsibility.

• Who bears the responsibility for this decision and the confusion it has caused?;
• Why there was no timely and responsible information of the island's residents, professionals and tourists;
• Why do the competent bodies allow this situation to continue?, with passengers being on board each time in insecurity and suffering;

The complete lack of coordination by the Ministry of Shipping, the shipping companies and the competent bodies cannot to go unnoticed. This is not an isolated incident, but a a systematic failure in management of our island's ferry services.

We demand immediately:

1. Official statement and explanations by the Ministry of Shipping and the company operating the routes for today's incident.
2. Accountability those responsible for the current sloppiness and suffering of citizens.
3. Stable timetable throughout the year, which shall be strictly adhered to and shall not be subject to sudden and unjustified changes.
4. Immediate institutional intervention to ensure that Kythera will not be hostage to sloppiness, political expediency and maritime interests.

Mr. Mayor, we expect you to react dynamically and take immediate initiatives to address this situation. We call on you to demand by every legal means the necessary responses and commitments from the competent bodies, in order to stop the mockery at the expense of Kytheria.

Tolerance has run out.

We expect direct actions and specific answers.

Sincerely,

Zacharias I. Souris

Head of M.A. & Municipal Party

«ALL TOGETHER KYTHERA - ANTI-KYTHERA»