446 people evacuated by sea from Siviri beach as large fire rages
Coast guard, firefighting and private boats, plus a Sporades ferry, carried 446 people from Siviri after a large blaze threatened the shoreline.
Emergency services and private vessels evacuated a total of 446 people by sea from the beach at Siviri on the first leg of Halkidiki after a large wildfire threatened the coastal settlement.
According to the evacuation tally, 250 people were brought safely to the marina in Sani, while 196 were taken aboard the ferry "Spidraner", which runs between the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos and Thessaloniki; it is not yet clear whether those passengers will be transferred to Thessaloniki.
Evacuation by multiple types of vessels
The operation used boats and ships from the coast guard and firefighting service, together with private and fishing boats and the regular ferry that links the Sporades with the mainland. Authorities describe the sea evacuation as successful and orderly.
The wildfire itself has not been fully brought under control, but officials reported that conditions improved significantly tonight and additional firefighting units are arriving from several regions of Greece.
Tourists, local residents and others who were in Siviri this afternoon were among those moved by sea; local authorities continue to monitor access to the area and the progress of fire-containment efforts.
Photo: press material from the event
