Hydra, Greece – Thirteen individuals have been detained in connection with a devastating forest fire on the picturesque Greek island of Hydra. Authorities suspect that the fire, which ravaged through 300 acres of pine forest, was ignited by fireworks launched from a luxurious superyacht.
The blaze on Friday proved to be a challenging battle for firefighters, who had to utilize sea access and aerial water drops to bring the flames under control due to the lack of roads leading to the beach. The superyacht allegedly involved in the incident is reportedly named Persephoni, a vessel available for summer charter at a staggering price. Greek authorities have requested the confiscation of the yacht in light of the investigation.
Several local media outlets reported that the individuals aboard the yacht were 17 nationals from Kazakhstan, who have since exited Greece. The conflicting accounts between Greece’s coast guard and fire department have stirred discourse, with fire officials citing eyewitness reports of fireworks while the coast guard denies any evidence of such activity.
The alleged cause of the fire has evoked outrage in Greece, already grappling with multiple wildfires amidst its first heatwave of the year. Hydra’s mayor expressed indignation over the irresponsible actions that led to the forest fire. Social media has also chimed in, with one individual attributing the incident to “rich people with more money than brains.”
As Greece remains on high alert for wildfires, concerns mount over the impending summer season marked by dry conditions, high temperatures, and strong winds. The tragic loss of a volunteer firefighter battling a different fire underscores the gravity of the situation, highlighting the risks faced by those on the front lines of wildfire containment efforts. Scientists have drawn a connection between the surge in extreme weather events and the escalating threat posed by climate change.
In response to recurrent incidents of arson, Greece has implemented stricter laws targeting arsonists, aiming to deter such destructive behavior through harsh penalties. The country continues to grapple with the repercussions of deliberate arson and the growing challenges posed by climate change, underscoring the need for vigilance and preventive measures as the threat of wildfires looms over the region.