The campaign to support Spiros Kasimatis, the captain of Kythira, who was on the front line of the major fire on July 26, has sparked an outpouring of emotion and solidarity.
With his boat Glass Bottom managed to rescue dozens from Limniona unshackled people. The overload caused serious damage to the vessel, estimated at €75,000, resulting in its temporary decommissioning.
In a post on July 30, the captain himself announced that the routes would be operated by the company's smallest boat, expressing his regret at the forced suspension of the Glass Bottom.
A few days ago, an online support campaign was launched via the platform. GoGetFunding, which as of Monday has already collected more than 23,000 euros from above 300 donors, with a total target of €75,000. To support the campaign, click here: https://gogetfunding.com/helping-spiros/
During those tragic moments, Aimilios Cheilakis publicly stated that he, his wife Athena Maximou, and 138 other people were rescued thanks to the intervention of an island resident who owned a boat.
«There was a man who took it upon himself to save us. His boat suffered tens of thousands of euros worth of damage and there is no one to compensate him. The state has no plan, and that is the problem. We must learn to prevent, not cure,» he said characteristically.
The story of Captain Spyros is not just a tale of individual bravery, but also a powerful reminder of the need for an organized civil protection plan. Until then, society has shown that it knows how to stand by those who put «us» before «me.».
