The Minister of National Defence Nikos Dendias invited the Commander, the First Officer and the Chief Engineer of the frigate “HYDRA” of the Hellenic Navy, to represent the crew, as well as the crew of the “Super Puma” helicopter consisting of personnel of the Hellenic Coast Guard and the Hellenic Air Force at his office today. He congratulated them on the successful conclusion of the Search and Rescue Operation in the south of Ierapetra. More than 600 persons who were sailing on board an ungoverned cargo ship were rescued.

The reception was also attended by the Chief of HNGS Vice Admiral Evangelos Apostolakis and the Chief of HAFGS Lieutenant General Evangelos Tournas.

The Minister of National Defence stressed to the members of the crews the following:

“I would like, gentlemen, accompanied by the military leadership of the Hellenic Navy and the Hellenic Air Force to express you my warmest congratulations on the difficult mission you accomplished under very adverse circumstances.

Apart from the Hellenic Navy and the Hellenic Air Force, I would like to express my warmest congratulations also to the Coast Guard. And I would ask you, please, to convey them to the Minister of Shipping Mr. Miltiades Varvitsiotis and to the leadership of the Coast Guard.

What you did was primarily important at a humanitarian level. You rescued more than 600 human lives and you managed to transfer a pregnant woman under so difficult weather conditions with safety. It was something that the Greek people will remember for years as an example of your self-sacrifice, professional efficiency and humanitarianism. Because you proved that we have not only intentions, but we have capabilities, knowledge, expertise and professionalism as well.

You know that in our times, the Greek people need examples. They need every day heroes; people who do their job right, they perform their duties and they prove that in this country we have the capability of achieving our objectives.

So, you made us all proud. I thank you very much from the depths of my heart. I am sure that the Greek people have the same exact feelings for you.

     I have to tell you that this became also known to the international community. You may understand what would have happened if, while the responsibility was on us, in our geographical area, we lost 700 human lives because we would not have managed to rescue them. On the contrary, we have now proved to our partners that we are fully efficient and we have the capabilities to operate and achieve the desirable result.

I have a thorough knowledge of the migration issues due to my previous office; I know how sensitive the societies are, in Europe and globally. I tell you frankly that you offered a very significant service to our country and its image abroad. Please, accept once more my warmest congratulations.

You will allow me, finally, to hand you the emblem of the Ministry which will remind your crew today and to the crew who will be serving in the frigate and in the helicopter of our homeland and of what you achieved.”