Latest news with #NektariosPapadakis
GMA Network
07-07-2025
- General
- GMA Network
Houthis claim first ship sinking this year in Red Sea attack
The Magic Seas cargo ship is docked at a port in Ampelakia, Salamis Island, Greece, August 9, 2022, in this file handout image. Nektarios Papadakis/Handout via REUTERS/File Photo DUBAI - Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthis said on Monday that a cargo ship they struck with gunfire, rockets and explosive-laden remote-controlled boats had sunk in the Red Sea, after their first known attack on the high seas this year. The ship's Greek operator Stem Shipping told Reuters it had no independent verification. Reuters could also not immediately verify whether the ship had sunk. The Houthis claimed responsibility for Sunday's assault and said they had allowed the 19 crew members to disembark from the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier, the Magic Seas. All crew were rescued by a passing merchant vessel and were expected to arrive in Djibouti later on Monday, Stem Shipping told Reuters. The United Arab Emirates said on Monday it had successfully rescued all 22 people aboard the Magic Seas after an AD Ports Group vessel, Safeen Prism, responded to a distress call from the commercial ship following an attack in the Red Sea. The Magic Seas was taking on water after the attack and remained at risk of sinking, the company's representative, Michael Bodouroglou, had said earlier. The ship had been carrying iron and fertilizer from China to Turkey. The attack ended half a year of calm in the Red Sea, one of the world's busiest shipping routes, where Houthi attacks from the end of 2023 through late 2024 had disrupted shipping between Europe and Asia through the Suez Canal. The Houthis launched more than 100 attacks on ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandab Strait that links them, in what they described as solidarity with the Palestinians after war erupted in Gaza in 2023. But those attacks had halted this year, with the last known to have taken place in December. Israeli strikes Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised statement that the vessel was targeted on Sunday after naval forces issued warnings and calls that were ignored by the ship's crew. He said it was struck using two unmanned boats, five missiles and three drones. According to advisories from the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations and British security firm Ambrey, which both monitor security incidents in the area, the vessel was first approached by eight small boats that opened fire and launched self-propelled grenades. Armed guards returned fire. It was later struck by four remote-controlled boats, or Unmanned Surface Vehicles, and targeted with missiles, Ambrey said. "Two of the USVs impacted the port side of the vessel, damaging the vessel's cargo," it said. UKMTO said the strikes triggered a fire onboard. Separately, the Israeli military said on Monday it had struck three Houthi-controlled ports. There was no indication that the Israeli strikes were linked to the attack at sea. During their campaign against shipping, Houthi attackers have sunk two vessels, seized another and killed at least four seafarers. The campaign prompted global shipping firms to reroute vessels around the Horn of Africa, raising global shipping costs and times. The United States and its allies responded last year with air strikes. In June, tensions in the region escalated following a 12-day war between Israel and Iran, which Washington joined with US airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites. President Donald Trump had announced a halt to US strikes on the Houthis, saying the group had agreed to stop interfering with key shipping routes. —Reuters
Toronto Sun
07-07-2025
- General
- Toronto Sun
Yemen's Houthi rebels say bulk carrier Magic Seas that they attacked Sunday has sunk
Published Jul 07, 2025 • 4 minute read The Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Magic Seas is seen in Ambelakia Bay, Salamis Island, Greece, Aug. 9, 2022. Photo by Nektarios Papadakis via AP / AP DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — A cargo ship attacked by Yemen's Houthi rebels sank Monday in the Red Sea, the group said, raising new concerns over safety in the waterway crucial to global shipping, as Israel targeted the rebels with airstrikes. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Toronto Sun ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Don't have an account? Create Account The Houthis attacked the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Magic Seas with drones, missiles, rocket-propelled grenades and small arms fire on Sunday, forcing its crew of 22 to abandon the vessel. The Magic Seas attack and subsequent Israeli airstrikes early Monday targeting the rebels raised fears of a renewed Houthi campaign against shipping that could again draw in U.S. and Western forces to the area, particularly after U.S. President Donald Trump's administration targeted the rebels in a major airstrike campaign. The ship attack comes at a sensitive moment in the Middle East, as a possible ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war hangs in the balance, and as Iran weighs whether to restart negotiations over its nuclear program following American airstrikes targeting its most sensitive atomic sites during an Israeli war against the Islamic Republic. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also traveled to Washington to meet with Trump. Ship attack forces crew to abandon vessel The attack on the Magic Seas, a bulk carrier heading north to Egypt's Suez Canal, happened about 100 kilometres (60 miles) southwest of Hodeida, Yemen, which is held by the Houthis. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations, or UKMTO, centre first said that an armed security team on the vessel had returned fire against an initial attack of gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades, though the vessel later was struck by projectiles. Ambrey, a private maritime security firm, said that the Magic Seas also had been attacked by bomb-carrying drone boats, which could be a major escalation. It said that two drone boats struck the ship, while another two had been destroyed by the armed guards on board. Your noon-hour look at what's happening in Toronto and beyond. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. UKMTO said the ship was taking on water and its crew had abandoned the vessel. They were rescued by a passing ship, it added. A European Union anti-piracy patrol in the region, called Operation Atalanta, said that 22 mariners had been on board the Magic Seas. Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree, the Houthis' military spokesman, claimed the attack and said the rebels used missiles and bomb-carrying drone boats to attack the ship. 'Our operations continue in targeting the depths of the Israeli entity in occupied Palestine, as well as preventing Israeli maritime navigation in the Red and Arabian Seas … until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege on it is lifted,' Saree said. The Magic Seas' owners didn't respond to a request for comment. Saree later said the vessel had sank in the Red Sea. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Israeli military said that it struck Houthi-held ports at Hodeida, Ras Isa and Salif, as well as the Ras Kanatib power plant. It released footage showing an F-16 launching from Israel for the strike, which came after the Israeli military issued a warning for the area. 'These ports are used by the Houthi terrorist regime to transfer weapons from the Iranian regime, which are employed to carry out terrorist operations against the state of Israel and its allies,' the Israeli military said. The Israeli military also said it struck the Galaxy Leader, a vehicle-carrying vessel that the Houthis seized back in November 2023 when they began their attacks in the Red Sea corridor over the Israel-Hamas war. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 'Houthi forces installed a radar system on the ship and have been using it to track vessels in the international maritime arena to facilitate further terrorist activities,' the Israeli military said. The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader was affiliated with an Israeli billionaire. It said that no Israelis were on board. The ship had been operated by a Japanese firm, NYK Line. The Houthis acknowledged the strikes, but offered no damage assessment from the attack. Saree, the Houthi spokesman, claimed the rebels' air defence forces 'effectively confronted' the Israelis without offering evidence. Israel has repeatedly attacked Houthi areas in Yemen, including a naval strike in June. Both Israel and the United States have struck ports in the area in the past — including an American attack that killed 74 people in April — but Israel is now acting alone in attacking the rebels as they continue to fire missiles at Israel. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz threatened to launch further strikes. 'What's true for Iran is true for Yemen,' Katz said in a statement. 'Anyone who raises a hand against Israel will have it cut off. The Houthis will continue to pay a heavy price for their actions.' The Houthis then responded with an apparent missile attack on Israel. The Israeli military said that it attempted to intercept the two missiles launched by the Houthis, but they appeared to make impact, though no injuries have been reported. Sirens sounded in the West Bank and along the Dead Sea. Saree on Monday claimed to launch missiles and drones targeting Israel in its attack. 'We are fully prepared for a sustained and prolonged confrontation, to confront hostile warplanes and to counter attempts to break the naval blockade imposed by our armed forces on the enemy,' Saree said. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. The Houthi rebels have been launching missile and drone attacks against commercial and military ships in the region in what the group's leadership has described as an effort to end Israel's offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Between November 2023 and January 2025, the Houthis targeted more than 100 merchant vessels with missiles and drones, sinking two of them and killing four sailors. Their campaign has greatly reduced the flow of trade through the Red Sea corridor, which typically sees $1 trillion of goods move through it annually. Shipping through the Red Sea, while still lower than normal, has increased in recent weeks. The Houthis paused attacks until the U.S. launched a broad assault against the rebels in mid-March. That ended weeks later and the Houthis haven't attacked a vessel, though they have continued occasional missile attacks targeting Israel. Columnists Toronto Blue Jays World Sunshine Girls Toronto Raptors
The Herald Scotland
03-07-2025
- The Herald Scotland
Crete wildfires 2025 travel warning issued to UK tourists
The local fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames, which have burned through forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area on the island's southern coast. Several people were treated for breathing difficulties following the wildfire in Crete, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. While homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard added. Crete wildfire "very hard to contain," say officials 'It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,' civil protection official at the regional authority, Nektarios Papadakis, told The Associated Press. 'The tourists who were moved out are all OK. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island." The fire service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. Do I need travel insurance? The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the fire service. UK travel advice amid Crete wildfires Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. The UK Government, via the foreign travel advice website, said: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." The government urged anyone planning on travelling to Crete to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires. Your rights if your flight is cancelled or delayed They also advised travellers to: Follow @112Greece for official updates Follow the guidance of the emergency services Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger Contact your airline or travel operator, who can assist you with return travel to the UK For further information, see Greece's Civil Protection website. RECOMMENDED READING: The UK Government also warned that causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, "even if unintentional". To avoid starting wildfires: Leave no litter, especially not glass, which is known to start fires Make sure cigarettes are properly extinguished Do not light barbecues If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
Fast Company
03-07-2025
- Climate
- Fast Company
Out of control wildfire on Greek island unleashes evacuations in homes and hotels
Firefighters were struggling Thursday to bring a major wildfire on Greece's southern island of Crete under control, hampered by gale force winds whipping up the flames. Thousands of people were evacuated from hotels and homes overnight after the fire started Wednesday afternoon in the Ierapetra area on the island's southern coast, officials said. The head of the hoteliers' association of Ierapetra and southeastern Crete, Giorgos Tzarakis, told local media about 5,000 tourists had been evacuated from the area, and that several homes and businesses had been damaged. By Thursday morning, 230 firefighters backed by 10 water-dropping helicopters were battling the flames advancing through forest and farmland. Gale force winds in the area, with gusts reaching about 50 miles (80 kilometers) per hour, 'are constantly creating … new outbreaks, making firefighting work very difficult,' said fire department spokesman Vassilis Vathrakogiannis. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard said. Nektarios Papadakis, a civil protection official at the regional authority, told The Associated Press overnight that tourists who had been evacuated from the area had been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other parts of the island. Several residents were treated for breathing difficulties, officials said, but there were no reports of serious injuries. The Fire Service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. As fires crested ridgelines and edged toward residential areas overnight, the blaze sent clouds of ash into the sky, illuminated by the headlights of emergency vehicles and water trucks that lined the coastal road near the resorts of Ferma and Achlia on the southeast of Crete. Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. The risk of wildfires remained very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the Fire Service. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. In 2018, a massive fire swept through the seaside town of Mati, east of Athens, trapping people in their homes and on roads as they tried to flee. More than 100 died, including some who drowned while trying to swim away from the flames.
North Wales Chronicle
03-07-2025
- North Wales Chronicle
Crete wildfires 2025 travel warning issued to UK tourists
A fast-moving wildfire assisted by gale-force winds burned through Greece's southern island of Crete on Wednesday night into Thursday morning (July 2 and 3), prompting the evacuation. The local fire department said 230 firefighters backed up by 10 water-dropping aircraft were battling the flames, which have burned through forest and farmland in the Ierapetra area on the island's southern coast. Several people were treated for breathing difficulties following the wildfire in Crete, officials said, but there were no immediate reports of serious injuries. While homes were reported to have been damaged as flames swept through hillside forests, fanned by strong winds. Two people were evacuated by boat overnight, while six private boats were on standby in case further evacuations by sea became necessary, the coast guard added. 'It's a very difficult situation. The fire is very hard to contain. Right now, they cannot contain it,' civil protection official at the regional authority, Nektarios Papadakis, told The Associated Press. 'The tourists who were moved out are all OK. They have been taken to an indoor basketball arena and hotels in other regions of the island." The fire service and a civil protection agency issued mobile phone alerts for the evacuations and appealed to residents not to return to try to save their property. The risk of wildfires remains very high across Crete and parts of southern Greece on Thursday, according to a daily bulletin issued by the fire service. Crete is one of Greece's most popular destinations for both foreign and domestic tourists. Wildfires are frequent in the country during its hot, dry summers, and the fire department has already tackled dozens across Greece so far this year. The UK Government, via the foreign travel advice website, said: "Wildfires are highly dangerous and unpredictable. The situation can change quickly." The government urged anyone planning on travelling to Crete to ensure their mobile phone is registered to receive emergency alerts warning of wildfires. They also advised travellers to: For further information, see Greece's Civil Protection website. RECOMMENDED READING: UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Israel amid Middle East conflict Is it safe to travel to Turkey? Foreign Office shares advice for tourists 3 must-do passport checks for your holiday as Brits waste £110m on fast-track fees The UK Government also warned that causing a wildfire or a forest fire is a criminal offence in Greece, "even if unintentional". To avoid starting wildfires: If you see a fire, call the emergency services on 112.
