The Greek Navy minesweeper the Kallisto was badly damaged in a collision with much larger Maersk Launceston container ship off Piraeus on Tuesday morning.
The Hellenic Coast Guard said in a statement that the 27 crew members of the naval vessel were reported to be safe with two having suffered minor injuries.
According to the coast guard statement, the Portuguese-flagged Maersk Launceston, which is owned and managed by JT Esseberger, was not badly damaged and was detained by the Central Port Authority of Piraeus.
According to unverified reports, the containership’s captain may have been detained by authorities.
The Kallisto, which suffered severe damage to the stern, was able to remain afloat and has been towed to the Salamis Naval Base.
The incident was reported to the coast guard at 07.40 am local time.
In a statement posted on Twitter earlier today Maersk said: “In Maersk, we are aware of the serious incident involving the container vessel Maersk Launceston, which is owned and managed by J.T. Essberger. We are in contact and have offered our full support to the owners during this time.”
Maersk added: “J.T. Essberger reports: There are no injuries on board of the Maersk Launceston. The vessel has activated its emergency response procedures and the crew has been participating in the rescue operation for the seafarers of the naval vessel.”
Meanwhile, on Sunday, British special forces were called in put an end to a suspected hijacking after stowaways took charge of an oil tanker managed by Greek shipping company NaviosTankers Management.
Seven people, reportedly stowaways from Nigeria, were arrested after a 10-hour stand off on board the Liberian-registered tanker, the Nave Andromeda, just off the Isle of Wight in southern England. The incident took place in the early hours of Sunday morning.
According to reports, the 228-metre tanker was on its way to a Southampton refinery with its fuel cargo from Nigeria. The National reported that the ship’s crew found seven stowaways and tried to lock them in a cabin on the ship. They were met with threats and the ship’s captain radioed for help.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence sent 16 members of the Special Boat Service to board the ship in the dark and arrest the seven stowaways. No one was hurt in the incident.
Britain’s Ministry of Defence said in a statement that: “In response to a police request, the Defence Secretary and Home Secretary authorised Armed Forces personnel to board a ship in the English Channel to safeguard life and secure a ship that was subject to suspected hijacking.
“Armed forces have gained control of the ship and seven individuals have been detained.
“Police investigations will now continue. Initial reports confirm the crew are safe and well.” Hampshire Police said in a statement: “It was reported that a number of stowaways were on board, and they had made verbal threats towards the crew. No one has been reported injured.”
The tanker sailed into Southampton on Monday morning.
READ MORE: Greek Shipping: An important global actor in line with the Greek maritime spirit