Newsflash from Monday, 20 October 2025:
Growing frustration and fear are spreading among catamaran owners and tourism operators in Heraklion, after a recent near-accident involving a tourist at the Venetian Harbour reignited debate over the safety of the current mooring area.
According to local reports, a middle-aged visitor narrowly avoided falling into the sea while trying to board a catamaran in the area now used for docking tourist vessels — a space that professionals describe as “unsuitable and dangerous.”
A Mooring Area Under Fire
For months, catamaran owners have voiced strong objections to being relocated from their traditional spots inside the Venetian Harbour to a nearby docking zone in front of the Coast Guard building. They argue that the current site is exposed to strong swells and crosswinds, creating unsafe conditions for passengers and crews alike.
“With just a light breeze, the boats slam against each other,” said Giannis Mandalakis, one of the catamaran operators. “This area was designed for ships, not for catamarans. We’ve seen repeated damage and constant risks of accidents.”
Owners also claim that insurance companies refuse to cover potential damages in this location, as it is not officially designated as a safe mooring area. “If a vessel sinks or gets damaged, insurers will say it wasn’t tied up properly — even though the problem is the site itself,” one operator explained.
Financial Pressure and Mounting Fines
Adding to their frustration, operators report receiving official notices and fines of up to €8,000 for refusing to move their boats. They say they are being pressured to comply, despite the clear safety risks.
“We’re being punished for trying to protect our passengers,” one captain said. “Do we really have to wait for someone to get hurt before action is taken?”
The issue has become particularly sensitive, as operators emphasize that many of their passengers include elderly tourists and people with mobility challenges. “It’s unfair and discriminatory to deny them a safe boarding experience,” they argue.
The Port Authority’s Response
In response to the outcry, Giannis Vardavas, President of the Heraklion Port Fund, acknowledged the concerns but stressed that the relocation decision was based on technical and legal limitations.
“The catamarans operating in Heraklion exceed the specifications of the Venetian Harbour’s floating docks,” he explained. “Those docks can safely accommodate vessels up to 15.5 meters long and 5.5 meters wide. Most catamarans are significantly larger, making it illegal and unsafe to moor them there.”
Vardavas added that the Port Fund is open to dialogue with all stakeholders to find a “technically safe and legally compliant solution,” but emphasized that the current regulations must be respected until then.
A Call for Action and Cooperation
The incident has reignited public debate about the state of Heraklion’s historic harbour — a landmark that has suffered from years of wear, structural issues, and limited maintenance. Local tourism professionals argue that the port’s image and safety are directly tied to the city’s reputation as a top Mediterranean destination.
“Nautical tourism is a showcase for Heraklion,” said one operator. “We can’t afford to offer unsafe or makeshift conditions — it’s bad for business and bad for the city’s image.”
Moving Forward
As the tourist season winds down, both sides appear willing to discuss a long-term solution. Catamaran owners are urging the removal of abandoned boats and a reorganization of docking spaces inside the Venetian Harbour, while port authorities insist that any changes must meet safety and engineering standards.
The question remains: Can Heraklion find a balance between preserving its historic harbour and ensuring modern safety for visitors?
Source: Cretalive.gr
