Pireus to Symi:
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Representatives from Blue Star Ferries together with the MP, Mr Vasilis Hrisis, visited Symi yesterday and had talks with the Mayor, Mr Lefteris Papakalodoukas, in an attempt to find a way forward regarding the problem of re-establishing a direct ferry connection between Symi and Pireus. Today's meeting follows the initial decision by Blue Star Ferries to exclude Symi from its subsidised route from Pireus to Rhodes which was met with anger and frustration in Symi. The initial reports published in the local Rhodes press that the Blue Star Ferry "Diagoras" was going to make another "trial" sailing to Symi on Friday were not realised. The officials from Blue Star arrived onboard the Dodekanisos Pride on Friday morning and headed straight to the Municipality for talks with the Mayor.

The officials from Blue Star pointed out that it is not possible for "Diagoras" to dock at the current jetty (at the Mouragio side of the Harbour). "We have re-inspected the location the boats currently use inside the harbour and confirmed that it's not safe for "Diagoras" to dock", said Mr Dionisis Theodoratos, the Greek Director of Blue Star Ferries, while at the same time acknowledging the importance of finding a permanent and long-term solution to the problem. However, Mr Papakalodoukas suggested a different location on the other side of the harbour (Pitini side) where a jetty already exists. He pointed out that with the necessary work done on it, boats like "Diagoras" (as well as all other boats serving Symi) can dock securely. "We believe that if we can bypass bureaucracy and get the green light from the relevant Ministries for the necessary repairs to go ahead, our problem will be solved within a month at the latest", said Mr Papakalodoukas.

Representatives from the Ministry of Mercantile Marine and the Ministry for the Aegean and Island Policy are expected to visit Symi in the next few days to discuss the details so that the necessary repairs can be prioritised and delivered as soon as possible.