Cruise Captain Arrested After Passenger Falls into Sea at Corfu

Greek authorities have arrested the captain of a Bahamas-flagged cruise ship after a passenger fell into the water during a mooring incident at the port of Kerkyra on the island of Corfu. Officials identified the captain as an Italian national but did not disclose the name of the vessel involved.

According to the Greek Coast Guard and local media reports, the incident occurred late Tuesday when strong winds swept through the cruise port, causing the ship’s mooring lines to break while it was alongside the quay.

As the vessel drifted away from the dock, the gangway reportedly shifted out of place. A 56-year-old woman from New Zealand, who was using the gangway at the time, lost her balance and fell into the sea.

Crew members and port staff responded immediately, rescuing the passenger from the water. She received medical treatment at the scene before being taken by ambulance to Corfu General Hospital with minor facial and bodily injuries.

The ship’s 56-year-old Italian captain was subsequently arrested on suspicion of endangering passengers. Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the mooring line failure and whether appropriate safety precautions were in place despite the challenging weather conditions.

Although the incident prompted an investigation, the cruise ship was allowed to continue its scheduled voyage. Greek authorities have confirmed that the investigation remains ongoing.