The cargo ship Kyra Eleni, 99 meters long, was built in 1949 in Norway. Under the command of Captain Panagiotis Mourtzis, with Chief Engineer Ioannis Moros, the captain’s and first officer's wives, and a crew of 18, it set sail on January 5, 1978, at 21:00 from Lavrio to Bulgaria without cargo.
In the early hours after midnight, weather conditions worsened, with northeast winds reaching 8 Beaufort, prompting the captain to head towards the Karystos Bay to wait for the weather to improve. The presence of other anchored ships and strong winds made staying in the area dangerous, so the captain maneuvered along the sheltered side of the bay until the weather conditions subsided.
By dawn on January 6, 1978, the wind became stormy, reaching 10-11 Beaufort, making it impossible for the ship to turn back towards Karystos. The captain then set a southwesterly course, aiming to find shelter in one of Sounio's coves.
Around 12:30 PM, the ship attempted to enter the bay of Legrena, but conditions were unfavorable there as well, so it sought refuge in the sheltered area of Patroklos.
As the ship approached, the crew prepared to anchor. However, when it reached a distance of five stades (approximately 1 kilometer), a swirling wind current prevented the ship from responding to the rudder, and the reverse full-speed maneuver failed. The ship struck the rocks on its port side. Attempts were made to free the vessel, but it developed a list to port, and water began entering the engine room.
The Kyra Eleni sank on January 6, 1978, at 14:50.
All the shipwreck survivors were rescued and sheltered in the house of the island’s caretaker on Patroklos Island, where they were picked up by a rescue ship the next morning.
The Kyra Eleni is now split into two parts, with the stern standing upright with a portside list at a depth of 30 meters, while the bow lies with a portside list at a depth of 18 meters.
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