Containing the damage to the sea
Six days after the fatal collision and sinking of a cruise ship off the Aegean island of Santorini, the questions over the causes of the tragedy at sea remain – and beg an answer. Two French passengers are still missing and feared drowned. That said, the state must focus on other priorities and, above all, try to contain the environmental damage from the recent accident, particularly the danger from the remaining oil on board the ship. For that reason, Greek authorities must make use of the most advanced technology – Greek as well as foreign. There must be a full mobilization of the state apparatus and possibly also of the private sector. The environment, tradition and tourism constitute national treasures that must be safeguarded at all costs. In tackling the ecological disaster off Santorini, there is no room for makeshift measures.
