The Union of Greek Shipowners expressed their deep condolences for the victims’ families on the aftermath of the deadly wildfire that hit coastal regions of Athens. President Theodoros Veniamis announced the Greek shipowners will examine the most effective means to support the people who lost everything on the disaster.
At the same time, Greek Shipowner and football team owner Evangelos Marinakis announced donation of $1.1 million euros to help people affected by the country’s wildfires, the football club announced on Tuesday. They’re also opening bank accounts, so the team’s fans can make donations.
In these difficult times, all Greeks need to be united and stand next to our fellowmen who are being tested,
…the official statement reads.
The Greek government has declared a state of emergency and a three-day mourning, after two subsequent wildfires Monday killed dozens of people and destroyed forests, homes and properties in the wider area of the seaside town of Kineta, about 50 km west of Athens, and in the mountain of Penteli, northeast of the Greek capital.
Since Monday, Hellenic Coast Guard has been mobilized to provide assistance to people who were trapped on smoke-covered beaches, waiting for boats to rescue them, after the apocalyptic fire suddenly engulfed the region, making residents fleeing their properties and beach tourists running to survive.
One helicopter and a total of 14 vessels have been deployed, including one offshore vessel and its inflatable speedboat, one patrol vessel of the Abeking type, 10 patrol boats and one lifeguard vessel, as well as several private vessels.
According to the latest data provided by the Coast Guard, more than 700 people have been gathered so far from shores and sea and transported to the port of Rafina, while the bodies of six people have been recovered from the water.
Death toll from the apocalyptic wildfire is estimated at 83 people, but the number is expected to rise as dozens are still unaccounted for. The search for missing people is being carried out by patrol groups of 130 people from the Armed Forces and the Fire Brigade in the areas of Neos Voutzas, Mati and Rafina. Over 180 people are also injured.
The fire has been put under control. Search and rescue operations are continuing.
