CREW on a high-end yacht hired out by holidaymakers appeared in court over fireworks they allegedly lit on board that sparked a forest fire.
The raging wildfire is thought to have ravaged the pine forest in the port city of Piraeus on Hydra island, not far from the Greek capital Athens.
13 stood in court yesterday afternoon and denied involvement in the carnage and the luxury yacht, which stands at 176ft tall has since been confiscated by the Greek coast guard.
Staff of the Persefoni I were first arrested on Saturday and could face up to a staggering 20 years in prison, on top of a hefty fine, if found guilty.
It is believed that cruise workers lit fireworks to entertain the holidaymakers, before igniting the fire in Hydra’s only pine forest.
The damage demanded the attention of several firefighters, according to climate minister Vassilis Kikilias who stressed that it took six planes to put it out.
Local newspaper Kathimerini said he told Greek broadcaster OpenTV that 300 hectares of forest had burnt from the blaze.
On Sunday Kikilias said: “We changed the laws to punish those who set fires, leading to the loss of life or causing destruction to the environment.”
The 17 passengers confirmed on board are thought to be from Kazakhstan and forked out a massive £253,000 for a week on the superyacht.
Sources told The Times that all 13 cruise workers had asked for a two-day extension before giving evidence at the Piraeus court.
Currently, they remain in police custody and could be charged €200,000 if intent is established.
The Coast Guard stays on high alert for summer wildfires that often attack the Mediterranean country.
Brits last summer were stranded in the tourist hotspots of Rhodes and Crete as wildfires burned across the islands.
Holidaymakers saw trips diverted to Spain instead, following several flight cancellations.
Travel companies were forced to relocate passengers as a result of the blazes targeting the Greek Isles.
Destinations included Andalusia, Catalonia and Valencia, with Mallorca taking in the most British tourists.
