Yacht crew and passengers arrested after forest fire in Greece

Thirteen crew members and guests of a luxury yacht in Greece have been arrested. They are accused of starting a forest fire on the island of Hydra by setting off fireworks from the boat.

The fire, which destroyed part of the island’s only pine forest in the remote area of ​​Bisti, was brought under control by firefighters on Saturday.

Due to the remote landscape, firefighters were forced to work from the air and sea.

Hydra is located southwest of Athens in the Saronic Gulf and is a popular place for sailors.

While Greek authorities did not disclose the name of the yacht or the people involved, Hydra Mayor George Koukoudakis said on state television that he was “outraged.”

“If it’s true, it makes me really sad.”

Greece recently increased the penalties for arson. Those guilty now face up to 20 years in prison and a fine of up to 200,000 euros.

More heat waves

According to experts, Greece is facing another particularly difficult summer as the combination of strong winds and high temperatures increases the risk of forest fires.

The country recorded its first heatwave of the year last week, with temperatures exceeding 44°C in some areas.

Greek firefighters spent the weekend battling forest fires fueled by three days of strong winds.

A 55-year-old volunteer firefighter who was injured in a fire on the Peloponnese peninsula died in hospital on Friday.

Last year, a two-week heatwave led to widespread fires that killed 20 people and burned 1.3 percent of Greece’s land area.

Climate scientists have been warning for years that fossil fuel emissions are making heat waves around the world longer and hotter.

Record numbers are expected to be reached again this year: In India, the USA, Brazil and Saudi Arabia, the number of deaths due to temperatures and extreme weather events is rising.

Updated: June 23, 2024, 12:29 p.m.