Finally a Greek court makes a verdict and convicts 9 over sinking of of the Sea Diamond

Much of the attention in recent times was directed at the Costa Concordia tragedy, however in April 2007 the Sea Diamond (operated by Louis Hellenic Cruises) hit some rocks just off the cliffs of Santorini and sank after a few hours. 

The ship carried around 1,600 passengers/crew and successfully evacuated and accounted for all the people onboard except 2 French Guests, who were never actually found and later presumed drowned, although no-one knows exactly what happened to them.

This past week a Greek court in Piraeus convicted 9 officers onboard and certain Shipping Company officials for negligence with respect to the sinking off Santorini over 6 years ago.

The Piraeus court imposed suspended sentences ranging from 6 months to just over 12 years, and acquitted another 4 defendants.

The court imposed the strictest sentence, 12 years and 2 months, on the ship’s Captain for causing an accident, negligence that led to manslaughter, and marine pollution. The Lawyer who represented Santorini local authorities, claimed that the accident could have led to 100's of deaths even though all 1600 passengers (except 2) were safely evacuated by means of executing emergency procedures.

No doubt the International Press will possibly start to make connections between this accident and the Costa Concordia, then go onto highlight the dangers of Cruising. However, if anyone fears for their safety taking a vacation onboard a Cruise Ship, they should certainly stay clear of trains, buses, cars and of course their own cars (greatest risk), as the accident level and danger is substantially greater!