«Help us support the Captain of Kythira»

Spyros Kasimatis, the «Captain of Kythira,» is currently at the center of a solidarity initiative. On July 26, when a massive wildfire forced the evacuation of villages on the island, he used his boat, the «Glass Bottom,» to rescue dozens of people who were trapped in Limniona. Risking his own life and despite damage to the boat, he managed to safely transport young children, the elderly, and families to Kapsali.

Today, however, the «Glass Bottom» has sustained serious damage, and repairing it will cost tens of thousands of euros. Friends and people whom Spyros rescued have launched an online campaign to support him, emphasizing that he would never ask for help himself.

The following announcement provides a detailed overview of the fundraising effort, which aims to repair the boat so that Captain Spyros can continue his work in the waters off Kythira.

👉 Link to the campaign on GoGetFunding

🛟 Help us support the Captain of Kythira

The man who saved 86 lives with his boat

On July 26, 2025, the fires that broke out on Kythira forced many villages to be evacuated. In Mylopotamos, 139 people—children, the elderly, families, and pets—were trapped in the Limniona Bay, a secluded beach with no pier, no cell phone reception, and no way out.

Some people called the authorities for help.

Some people called Captain Spyros.

🌊 Who Is Captain Spyros?;

Spyros is more than just a captain. He is a man who, for over 30 years, has been sharing the magic of Kythira through his excursions and guided tours of Chytra. Above all, he’s always there when people need him—without hesitation, without ever asking for anything in return.

🚨 The Rescue Operation

• Spyros rushed to Limniona in his boat, along with the Coast Guard and two smaller vessels.
• The conditions were difficult: the sea was stormy, the fire was approaching the beach, the air was filled with smoke, and the water was too shallow for the boats.
• Drawing on his experience and keeping his cool, he managed to approach the shore and begin evacuating the stranded people.
• People were afraid to transfer to other small boats that were out at sea, so the boat became overloaded.
• One engine failed during the rescue. The other was barely holding on.
• Spyros didn't stop. Despite the technical difficulties, he navigated through challenging conditions and thick smoke, safely transporting everyone to Kapsali.

💔 The Consequences of the Offer

Spyros's boat sustained very serious damage—the repairs will cost dozens thousands of euros.

Glass Bottom is now closed for the remainder of the summer, a severe blow to a man who makes his living solely from the sea.
Spyros, once again, if necessary, would rush to the rescue, just as he has done so many times before. And he would never ask for help.

🙌 THAT'S WHY WE'RE ASKING FOR HIM

We are his friends, his neighbors, and the people he saved.
Now it's our turn to help Spiros.

Your donation will go directly toward the repair of the Glass Bottom so that Spiros can return to what he loves—and what he does best. Because your donation, small or large, will make all the difference.

Let's show him that he's not alone.

Yiannis Kasimatis, Marie Koronaiou, Marianna Giannioti, Eliza Bakopoulou, George Lampoglou, Carlotta De Gennaro, Elena Malissou, Natalia Margioli

🛟 Let's Help Spiros Get Back to Sea: The Hero of Kythera Who Saved 139 People

On July 26, 2025, a devastating fire struck the island of Kythera, Greece. Entire villages were evacuated.

In Mylopotamos, 139 people—children, the elderly, families, and animals—were trapped in Limnionas Bay, a remote beach with no pier, poor cell service, and no escape route.

They asked for help.

They called Spiros.

🌊 Who is Spiros, the Captain of Kythera?

Spiros has been a captain for over 30 years and is famous for the tours he offers on his glass-bottom boat, the Glass Bottom.

Beloved by locals and tourists alike, he has always been there in times of need. He has never hesitated. He has never asked for anything in return.

🚨 The Rescue at Limnionas

• Spiros arrived in his boat, along with the Coast Guard and two smaller vessels.
• The sea was rough, the air thick with smoke, and the shore too shallow for most boats.
• With skill and courage, he got close enough to let the terrified passengers board.
• The boat was overloaded, but no one wanted to transfer to other boats.
• One engine broke down. The other barely held out.
• Spiros didn't stop: he brought everyone back to Kapsali safe and sound.

💔 The Price of Courage

The Glass Bottom sustained serious damage.

Repairing the engines will cost tens of thousands of euros.

For the rest of the summer, the boat will remain out of service: a serious blow to Spiros’s livelihood, as he depends solely on this work for his income.

And yet, he would never ask for help.

🙌 Now it's our turn

We are his friends, his neighbors, the people he saved.

We want Spiros to go back to doing what he loves—and what he does best: sailing and helping others.

Your donation will go directly toward the repair of the Glass Bottom.

Let's show him that he's not alone.

💙 Let's help Spiros get back out to sea.

Giannis Kasimatis, Mari Koroneou, Marianna Yanniotis, Eliza Bakopoulou, George Lampoglou, Carlotta De Gennaro, Elena Malissou, Natalia Margioli