Tonight, residents and guests of
Lourdata watched in amazement a strange view: a tanker lying away from the island slowly began to approach the beach. With the naked eye, it was obvious that the ship ("
Aegean Blue") was out of control – the current and wind was drifting her toward the shore. In the first photo, it is seen that the portside ladder is raised and the engines are not running. While we were walking down to the beach from Vlachata, a boat headed to the tanker - supposedly with an expert on board. In the photographs taken on the beach, it is clearly seen that the ladder is lowered and the boat is moored alongside. After a short time the tanker gave sound signal and we were relieved when we saw the smoke from the funnel - the engine was running. Carefully manoeuvring, the tanker started leaving shallow waters. Thank God, she was able to quickly move to a safe distance.
P.S. According to the locals, the ship was not drifting ashore. The captain allegedly approached the shore as close as possible to enable the motor boat to get there to pick up the owner of the local restaurant that caters the ship. Perhaps, we will refrain from comments in order not to harm the unfortunate seafarers.
