SS Heraklion
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The SS Heraklion was a car ferry that capsized and sank on December 8, 1966 in the Aegean Sea, resulting in the deaths of over 200 people.
[edit] Background
The SS Heraklion was constructed by the Fairfield Yards in Scotland, and launched in December 1949. Its first name was Leicestershire, and was initially run by the British based Bibby Line. She was then bought by Aegean Steam Shipping Tipaldos Bros. In late 1964, the ship underwent conversion to become a car ferry and entered service on the Piraeus-Chania and Piraeus-Heraklion routes. The ship had an overall length of 498 ft (152 m), a beam of 60 ft (18 m), gross tonnage of 8.922 tons, and single prop speed of 17 knots. Winter capacity was 35 trucks with an average weight of 10 tons. The SS Heraklion had its last survey on June 29, 1966.
[edit] Sinking
On the night of December 7, 1966 the SS Heraklion sailed from the port of Souda - in the city of Chania - to Piraeus in Athens. This route crosses relatively sheltered waters but seas can be surprisingly rough, especially during winter. Halfway through the approximately 100 mile voyage, the ship found itself in poor weather and rough seas. It sank at 2:06am on December 8, 1966, six miles south of Falkonera, a small rocky parcel at .
The most probable cause for the sinking has been determined to be an unsecured refrigerator truck in the garage area repeatedly hitting the midship loading doors, before plummeting into the sea where it has been found floating the next morning. The damaged loading door provided an entry point for the sea water, and the ship capsized.
[edit] Aftermath
Only 47 of those on board were rescued since most passengers and crew were trapped in their quarters. Officially there were 191 passengers and 73 crew on board, but the exact number is unknown, since at the time it was customary to board the ship without a ticket, which would be issued upon sailing.
In the 1990s a sculpture known as "The Monument of the Hand" was erected near the harbour in Chania to commemorate the victims of the accident.
