Naxos: two sailboat groundings within 24 hours

Two separate sailboat groundings occurred within 24 hours in the waters of Naxos and the Small Cyclades. The first happened on Sunday morning, August 9 at Moutsona on Naxos’s eastern side, and the second in the early morning hours of Saturday, August 8 at the islet of Antikero. In both cases, all persons aboard were in good health.

At Moutsona, a Greek-flagged sailboat with six Greek crew members grounded on rocky seabed. All six crew exited the vessel and reached shore under their own power, requiring no rescue operation. Conditions leading to the grounding remain unknown. No official statement from the Coast Guard has been issued regarding this incident.

The second incident involved a German-flagged sailboat with one foreign crew member anchored off Antikero. The vessel lost its anchor, drifted, contacted a nearby fishing vessel, and ultimately grounded in shallow water. The Unified Search and Rescue Coordination Center mobilized Coast Guard authorities in Naxos and Amorgos, which immediately deployed available resources. Two patrol boats and a passenger-tourist vessel with Coast Guard personnel responded, refloating the sailboat and escorting it to Koufonissia harbor. No marine pollution was reported.

The meltemia period, with winds of 6 to 8 Beaufort in the Cyclades, creates hazardous conditions for anchoring in open bays and islets where anchor hold is tested by gusts. August concentrates peak recreational vessel traffic in the Aegean, requiring Coast Guard authorities to manage multiple incidents simultaneously. The Naxos Port Authority banned both vessels involved in the Antikero incident from departing until they submit seaworthiness certificates.

Investigations continue regarding the causes of anchor loss and grounding conditions at Moutsona. Strong northerly winds are expected to continue through the week, with Monday, August 10 the most difficult day. Vessel operators are urged to monitor conditions closely and select protected anchorages.