Well, my personal WhatsApp was buzzing this morning with numerous industry colleagues sharing this news story. As someone who is generally outspoken about the liberties taken by those who enjoy the finer things in life with, at times, little to no respect for those around them, it’s no wonder this incident has garnered so much attention. It's incidents like these that fuel the negative perception of the yachting industry among the general population.
The real question is whether the fireworks were ignited under pressure from charter guests or if the responsibility lies with the crew. Greek authorities had issued warnings, especially given their recent history with devastating forest fires that claimed over 20 lives last year. This year, with heightened vigilance, those ignoring fire warnings face severe consequences, including up to 20 years in prison and fines of up to 200,000 euros.
There's been some debate on LinkedIn regarding whether these penalties are too harsh. However, when considering the potential loss of life due to such negligence, is 20 years truly excessive? I believe not. If it were one of your family members who lost their life fighting that fire, you would likely argue that even 20 years is not sufficient. This flagrant disregard for the law must be met with stringent penalties to serve as a deterrent and ensure respect for safety regulations.
While the likelihood of the maximum penalty being applied is very slim, it is crucial that any penalties imposed are directed towards the individuals ultimately responsible. Let's hope that justice is served appropriately and that those accountable face the necessary consequences for their actions.
CEO/Board Chair of TQC Team CUSO LLC
4wIt is my hobby! Keeping them healthy and growing is a big challenge. It is like managing a business, it requires your attention every day