Cruise Ship May Have Caused Massive Power Outage at Greek Port
Earlier this week, around 10,000 residents who live Argostoli, Greece – a beloved cruise ship destination – suddenly found themselves without power after a cruise ship mishap.
On May 4, 2025, one of the two cruise ships in the port that day may have accidentally damaged an underwater submarine cable with its anchor, which resulted in a widespread blackout at around 4:30 p.m. local time.
The essential power cable is a key part of the system that allows electricity to flow between the mainland and the Greek islands – including the Ionian Island of Kefalonia, where the town of Argostoli is located.
Specifically, the area from the Square to Maistrato lost power – while Lixouri, another town in Kefalonia, also reported similar issues during the extended blackout.
While both Celestyal Cruises’ Celestyal Journey and Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ Seven Seas Grandeur were present, the 55,820-gross ton Celestyal Journey appears to be the culprit. However, this has not been officially confirmed.
A local news outlet shared images of the 1,260-guest ship navigating the harbor at the time of the incident, and cruise tracking data shows that the ship was heading back out to sea at the right time.
Allegedly, Celestyal Journey had also anchored in an unusual location. As only one cruise ship is able to dock at the pier in Argostoli, additional vessels have to anchor in the harbor and tender their guests to and from shore.
Between the pier and harbor, up to four cruise ships can visit at one time – although the port doesn’t usually reach capacity, even as Greece becomes increasingly more popular among cruisers.
But while most cruise ships anchor in front of the dock, some locals noticed that the Statendam-class vessel came to rest in Agios Konstantinos, where the damaged underwater cable is located.
The location of the important cable is also supposed to be noted on nautical charts, which makes the decision even more confusing.
However, it’s not the first time a ship anchor has caused damage – and it likely won’t be the last. One of the most notable incidents actually took place in Sicily, Italy, in 2008.
Internet and power outages were the unfortunate result of a 58,000-gross ton oil tanker dragging its anchor for 300 kilometers (or just over 186 miles). In this case, six submarine cables were damaged.
Power Restored – But Repairs Will Take Time
Thankfully, the Hellenic Electricity Distribution Network Operator (HEDNO) acted quickly to assess the damage and restore power – with the lights already back on.
Soon after the accident, HEDNO sent divers to inspect the underwater cable, who identified significant problems – although the exact issue has not been confirmed. However, crews were able to re-establish power by temporarily using an alternate line.
The actual repairs will require specialized equipment and will likely take several days to complete. HEDNO will continue to oversee the repairs and monitor the situation.
Neither the Greek maritime authorities nor the cruise line have made any comments regarding the incident as of the time of publication, but we will update this article should an official statement be released.
Read Also: The Anatomy of a Cruise Ship Anchor Chain
However, the cruise lines may be held responsible to pay for damages they cause to ports or piers – although fault is determined on a case by case basis. Most cruise lines have insurance – sort of like how drivers have car insurance – should an accident occur.
It will also be interesting to see if this incident fuels the fire behind the movement to impose stricter cruise ship limitations in Greece.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has been vocal in the past about the strain caused by overcrowding on bucket list destinations like Santorini, Mykonos, and Rhodes, and a cruise ship causing significant damage could strengthen his cause.
Beginning this year (2025), a new tax was also implemented for cruisers sailing to the Greek Isles – which will help fund the country’s mission to address challenges related to over-tourism and climate change.
Cruise Ship May Have Caused Massive Power Outage at Greek Port