The crew of a super yacht allegedly started a catastrophic forest fire on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite Greek isles — after setting off fireworks to entertain guests.
More than a dozen workers and passengers aboard the lux Persefoni I craft were arrested for the environmental disaster that scorched the island of Hydra on Friday night, just a week after Bezos, fiancee Lauren Sanchez and his son Preston celebrated Father’s Day there.
The US Embassy and Consulate in Greece had issued a Natural Disaster Alert earlier Friday warning the public of potential wildfire risks as extreme high temperatures gripped the region.
The crew of a super-yacht allegedly started a forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra. Seasonal Firefighers/Facebook
The fires started when crew members set off fireworks to entertain guests. via REUTERS
The Persefoni I in a marina in a southern suburb of Athens on June 23, 2024. REUTERS/Louisa Gouliamaki
The accused boaters were busted when they docked near Athens on Saturday. They denied involvement in the fiasco, which destroyed more than 70 acres of forest, according to local outlets.
Greece has suffered from ruinous wildfires and recently hardened its laws and penalties for arson. An arson conviction can land offenders there to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of more than $200,000.
A firefighting plane dropping water of an area of the island affected by the forest fire. via REUTERS
A Persefoni I crew member appearing before a prosecutor in Piraeus for allegedly starting the fire. ALEXANDROS VLACHOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
More than a dozen passengers and crew members were arrested for the fire. ALEXANDROS VLACHOS/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock
The penalty for arson in Greece can be 20 years in prison and a $200,000 fine. via REUTERSHydra Island has long been a popular travel destination for celebs and is known for inspiring a host of artists and musicians such as Leonard Cohen and Picasso.
