Greece cracks down on safety after ferry tragedy

ATHENS, Greece (Reuters) -- Greece banned dozens of ships from sailing, saying they failed to meet European safety standards, following the sinking of a passenger ferry that killed at least 77 people.

The Merchant Marine Ministry issued a statement on Saturday saying the ban was from midnight on Sunday.

It said 65 passenger ferries and luxury cruise liners also had 20 days to meet European Union requirements or have their sailing permits revoked.

A total of 47 island ferries, nine international cruise ships and nine ferries on the Piraeus-Crete line were affected by the ban.

The ministry said shipping companies were obliged to pay their crews while they raised standards and were legally responsible for any problems resulting from supplies not reaching islands.

"Since they have been informed in time about their obligations, any problems that arise will be brought to the public prosecutor of the area," the statement said. The ban follows the sinking of a passenger ferry with more than 500 people aboard off the island of Paros on Tuesday.

Authorities are baffled as to how the ship hit a well-charted islet shortly before reaching port. The captain and three crewmen were charged with manslaughter and other lesser charges.

They have blamed the sinking on bad weather and denied the crew did not offer adequate help to desperate passengers. The ministry said that out of 510 Greek ships, 93 were obliged to comply with the safety regulations but only 28 did.

Ships that fulfil standards will make extra trips to cover demand.

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The Greek Ministry of Merchant Marine

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