The ferry situation in Kythira and Antikythira remains problematic, as noted in the press release issued by the SYRIZA-PS Kythira Members’ Organization. Despite the two-week blockade, the solution provided by the ferry “Kefalonia” It proved to be inadequate, as it does not have the required certification to operate routes from Piraeus to Crete. The press release follows.
Press Release
Kythera, Friday 14 February 2025
«Ships? They exist»...
It’s a comedy (or even a tragedy) that Kythira gets the best ships every February—and only for a short while! Last year we had the HIGH SPEED (for free, no less); this year, the KEFALONIA. To paraphrase the famous saying of former Prime Minister G. Papandreou: «Ships? They exist.» Except that we don’t see them regularly in Kythira…
However, the situation we are experiencing in Kythira and Antikythira is not improving simply by acknowledging the facts. After nearly two weeks of being cut off, a decent ferry was found to provide at least a temporary solution. Except that it was missing a certificate and couldn’t carry passengers from Piraeus, nor could it go to Crete!!! So it operated—and continues to operate—the Neapoli–Kythira–Antikythira route. The incompetence of those in power is writing new “golden” chapters… We hope that the certification of the ship KEFALONIA will be completed so that it can carry both passengers and cars from Piraeus. Of course, we’re also looking forward to March and the arrival of the PORFYROUSA (for the Naples–Kythira–Antikythira route), about which there have been no complaints.
However, this does not solve the broader problem of ferry service along the Piraeus–Kythira–Gythio–Antikythira–Kastelli route, which is crucial for us. A permanent solution is needed.
As we await the new call for applications for subsidies for «unprofitable routes,» the SYRIZA Kythira Local Organization demands, and will fight alongside everyone (residents and friends of Kythira and Antikythira) to achieve:
A. The ship that will operate the routes must be capable of fulfilling its contract under all weather conditions (except when sailing is prohibited). We must not see any more cancellations or schedule changes at 7–8 Beaufort (as the Aqua Jewel did).
- We demand that Category A and B ships (and not just Category C) be allowed to operate on the Kythira routes. We islanders are not second-class citizens. We are entitled to decent, safe, and fast transportation.
C. We require that the contract include a provision for a replacement vessel (in case of any eventuality).
We call on both the Ministry of Shipping and Island Policy and the SAS (of which, incidentally, the Mayor of Kythira is a member) to adopt and implement these guidelines
SYRIZA-PS Member of Parliament and spokesperson on maritime affairs, Mr.Alexandros Meikopoulos, has submitted a parliamentary question regarding the coastal shipping issue in Kythira, which will be debated in Parliament on Monday, February 17. SYRIZA PS Kythira will keep you informed about the debate.
-There is no such thing as island life without support. Otherwise, we will watch our islands wither away
Organization of SY.RIZ.A-P.S. KYTHIRON Members
