Investigation under way into drowning of ferryboat passenger

An investigation was being conducted on Wednesday into the circumstances that saw a passenger of the Blue Star Naxos ferryboat fall overboard and drown.

The man, whose age has been estimated at around 60, fell off the ferry into dark and cold waters some 4 nautical miles off the coast of Syros. He was found dead an hour later by the coast guard.

The ship had been traveling from Syros to Paros, Naxos, Irakleia, Schoinousa, Koukonisia and Katapola.

Another passenger on the ferry has told local media that he saw the man jump off the side of the boat.

"I saw a middle-aged man standing outside the railings some 20 meters from me. I ran as fast as I could to reach him, but he jumped just as I got there. I saw him fall… He disappeared in front of my eyes and there was nothing I could do," a 34-year-old man is quoted by Naxostimes.gr as saying.