Local media outlet zarpanews posted a statement from a US tourist describing the situation as “unacceptable”. Of the 800-900 passengers, the woman notes, “most stayed on the ship out of fear. Only about 40 people got off, and everyone returned angry and disappointed.”
After the dissemination of the images, however, the disembarkation platform was quickly reinstalled.
Speaking to state-broadcaster ERT, Giorgos Mylonakis, the mayor of Kissamos, the municipality where Balos Beach is located, emphasized that removal of the platform was a mistake. He said that in order to resolve the issue promptly ferry owners themselves paid for the re-installation – with the state’s consent – of a floating platform.
He also pointed out that issues that theoretically can be resolved in five minutes, in practice, are often hindered by bureaucracy, mentioning how plans to reinstall the platform had already been in the works before the peak tourist season.
He also expressed his thanks for the media coverage. “We want to highlight the positives and correct the negatives. As of today, the platform is in place, and everything is back to normal,” he concluded.
