On Saturday, August 31st, at the port of Volos, the Deputy Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection, Mr. Christos Triantopoulos, met with the Antipollution team. This team had been actively engaged in Volos for the past four days, undertaking voluntary operations aimed at cleaning the Pagasetic Gulf, which had been impacted by environmental pollutants.

The Antipollution team’s efforts began on Wednesday, August 28th, following prompt communication with the company’s management. Recognizing the urgent need for intervention, Antipollution swiftly mobilized a dedicated team, along with vessels and crew, to address the pollution in the Pagasetic Gulf. Their operations were carried out in close collaboration with the Region of Thessaly and local fishermen from Volos, who had been involved in the cleanup efforts from the very start.

The scale and organization of the operation were significant. According to a comprehensive report detailing their work, the Antipollution team deployed an impressive array of resources to ensure the effective cleaning of the Pagasetic Gulf. These resources included:

• 2 Floating Work Vessels: Specifically, SP 358 and SP 352, which were instrumental in the heavy-duty aspects of the cleanup operations.
• 3 Auxiliary Boats: These smaller vessels provided critical support in navigating tighter areas and assisting in the collection of pollutants.
• 1 Standby Anti-Pollution Boat (SP 423): This boat was on standby, ready to respond swiftly to any emergent pollution threats during the operations.
• 2 4×4 Vehicles: These were used for transportation across difficult terrains, ensuring the team could access and address polluted areas on land.
• 2 Area Supervision Vehicles: These vehicles were essential for coordinating the operations and ensuring that all areas of the gulf were effectively monitored.
• 2 Trucks: The trucks were used to transport collected waste and necessary equipment to and from the site.
• 23 Staff Members: The team was composed of 23 dedicated professionals, 15 of whom were on the ground in Volos, directly participating in the cleanup operations.

The involvement of the Antipollution team was crucial in mitigating the environmental impact on the Pagasetic Gulf, a region already burdened by previous environmental challenges, such as those following the ‘Daniel’ storm.

During his visit, Deputy Minister Triantopoulos took the opportunity to personally thank the management and the staff of Antipollution. He commended their swift response and their willingness to volunteer their services in yet another challenging situation for the area. The Deputy Minister emphasized the importance of such collaborative efforts between private organizations, local authorities, and the community, particularly in times of environmental crisis. He acknowledged the significant contribution of the Antipollution team, not only in terms of resources but also in their dedication and professionalism.

In his remarks, Mr. Triantopoulos highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance and proactive measures to protect the environment in the face of increasing climate-related challenges. He praised the Antipollution team for their exemplary work and for setting a standard of excellence in environmental protection and crisis response. Their actions, he noted, are a testament to what can be achieved when different sectors come together with a shared commitment to preserving natural resources and safeguarding public health.

The operations in Volos serve as a reminder of the critical role that environmental protection teams play in responding to pollution incidents. Through their efforts, the Pagasetic Gulf is being restored, and the community of Volos can look forward to a cleaner and safer environment. The collaboration between the Region of Thessaly, the local fishermen, and the Antipollution team exemplifies the power of cooperative action in addressing environmental crises, ensuring that the natural beauty and ecological health of the area are preserved for future generations.