Strong southwesterly winds in the central Aegean Sea prompted Greek maritime authorities to impose a sailing ban from major passenger ferry ports near Athens on January 3rd. This decision has resulted in significant disruptions to ferry services headed for popular island destinations.
The sailing ban affected ports in Piraeus and Rafina, as port officials anticipated adverse weather conditions. Initially expected to impact both morning and afternoon departures, the ban was a precautionary measure as winds were forecasted to reach a Beaufort scale of 6 to 7, with local gusts hitting force 8 in the Cyclades islands.
Ferry operators such as Blue Star Ferries, Fast Ferries, and Golden Star Ferries canceled multiple scheduled sailings due to the weather conditions. Notably, the Blue Star Paros route from Piraeus to Syros, Tinos, and Mykonos, along with the Blue Star Delos service to Paros, Naxos, and Santorini were among the affected services. Operations from Rafina to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos, using ferries like Andros Queen and Theologos P, also faced suspension.
Authorities stated that ferry services could resume as the severe weather conditions passed. Passengers were encouraged to check directly with port authorities or ferry operators for the latest updates before making travel plans. This situation underscores the routine maritime precautions in the Aegean, where strong winds can lead to ferry cancellations to ensure passenger safety.
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