Modern Greece’s Deadliest Naval Tragedy: The “Greek Titanic” Disaster

The tragedy of the Greek passenger steamer Himara remains one of the most devastating maritime disasters in Greece’s history. Known as the “Greek Titanic,” the incident occurred on January 19, 1947, near South Evia, resulting in the loss of at least 383 lives.

Key Facts about the Himara Disaster

The Himara, originally named Hertha, was delivered to Greece from Germany as part of post-World War II reparations. On the morning of January 18, 1947, it set sail from Thessaloniki, carrying 544 passengers and 86 crew members, en route to Piraeus.

Circumstances Leading to the Tragedy

• Date of incident: January 19, 1947
• Initial departure: Thessaloniki at 8:30 a.m.
• Destination: Athenian port of Piraeus
• Passengers: 544
• Crew members: 86

At the time, Greece was gripped by a civil war, making sea travel a preferred method for movement between major cities. However, in the early hours of January 19, while navigating through thick fog, the Himara collided with a rocky islet located between Stira and Agia Marina.

The Collision and Aftermath

The impact severely damaged the ship’s hull, allowing water to enter rapidly. Despite being only a nautical mile from Agia Marina, the vessel succumbed to the freezing waters and strong currents. Tragically, 383 individuals lost their lives in the disaster.

Public and Legal Response

The sinking made headlines across Greece as survivors recounted their experiences. Among the victims were numerous women, children, and political prisoners. Some reports suggested the possibility of a mine or an explosion caused by saboteurs contributing to the disaster.

Both the captain and the first mate survived the ordeal. In subsequent legal proceedings, they received prison sentences of fifteen and twenty months, highlighting the perceived accountability for the incident.

Continuing Maritime Tragedies in Greece

Greece has experienced several significant naval disasters. Notably, on December 8, 1966, over two hundred lives were lost when a ferry sank off the rocky islet of Falkonera. More recently, on June 16, 2023, a migrant boat tragically sank near Greece, claiming around 300 lives, highlighting ongoing issues of safety at sea.

The Himara catastrophe is a solemn reminder of the dangers of maritime travel and a significant chapter in modern Greek history.