island burns in Greece as suoeryacht crew charged with starting fire with fireworks

A prominent Kazakh businessman has publicly denied allegations that he or any passengers aboard a superyacht were responsible for a wildfire that broke out on the Greek island of Hydra.

The fire, which ignited on 21 June 2024, was reportedly sparked by fireworks launched from the charter vessel while anchored off the island.

Local media reported that the tourists onboard the yacht were Kazakh nationals who, after denying any involvement, were allowed to leave the country without being examined as witnesses.

An estimated 1,200 hectares (3,000 acres) of forest was lost to the blaze.

The Greek crew was arrested at a marina near Athens and charged with starting the fire. Last week, the captain and first officer of Persefoni I were jailed ahead of a trial on charges of arson. Eleven other crew members were freed on bail and with restrictions.

“It came as a complete surprise to us to learn of the accusations that followed in the press upon our return, and I categorically deny any wrongdoing,” said Daniyar Abulgazin in a statement published in the online edition of Forbes Kazakhstan.

Kazakh businessman Daniyar Abulgazin issues statement after Greece superyacht fire

The full statement, which has been translated into English, reads:

“I express my deepest regrets regarding the fire that occurred on the Greek island of Hydra.

For clarity, I chartered the yacht Persefoni I I for the period from 12pm 15 June 2024 to 12pm 22 June 2024 to organise a cruise for myself and my guests around the islands of Greece. Before our departure from Greece, which was originally scheduled for 22 June, representatives of the Greek authorities spoke with us, who did not make any claims against me or my guests in connection with this incident. Thus, we continued to follow our predetermined travel plans. It should be noted that some guests have already left on the morning of 21 June, 2024.

“It came as a complete surprise to us to learn of the allegations that followed in the press upon our return, and I categorically deny any wrongdoing.

“Neither I nor my guests performed any actions that could lead to a fire. We strictly followed the fire safety rules established on the yacht. Neither I nor my guests asked the crew of the yacht or other third parties to take any actions that could lead to a fire.

“We always adhere to all necessary safety measures and strictly follow laws and regulations to avoid such incidents. We will cooperate with the Greek authorities as part of their investigation.

“Given the ongoing investigation, it would be inappropriate to comment further or speculate.”

Charges for abetting arson have been laid against eight of the passengers, a police source told Reuters.

Following the arrests, the yacht operator, Salaminia Yachting Limited, told the Athens News Agency that it: “retains absolute confidence in the integrity and sincerity of the crew members.”

A prosecutor has also ordered an internal probe into the actions of authorities that allowed the yacht’s guests to travel outside the country before the official investigation was concluded.

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