The owner of a Greek tour catamaran has filed a substantial claim against Virgin Voyages’ Scarlet Lady following a collision in Rhodes harbour on 30th September 2026, when the cruise ship broke her mooring lines during severe weather.
The claim, totalling at least €400,000, covers damage to the vessel and loss of revenue whilst the catamaran undergoes repairs and safety inspections.
Strong Winds Cause Scarlet Lady To Break Free In Rhodes
The incident occurred late on Wednesday evening, 30th September 2026, when Scarlet Lady was moored at Rhodes during what should have been an overnight stay.
The ship had originally been scheduled to depart the Greek island at 6:00 p.m. that evening, but the Port of Mykonos – the next destination on the vessel’s seven-night itinerary – had closed due to adverse weather conditions.
Powerful winds and swells buffeted the harbour throughout the evening, ultimately causing Scarlet Lady’s mooring lines to snap.
The 110,000-tonne cruise ship drifted briefly before making contact with the catamaran King of Rhodes and two smaller craft moored nearby.
At the time of the incident, port authorities and the cruise line reported no significant damage.
However, the catamaran’s owner has since come forward with claims of substantial harm to the vessel.
Extensive Damage Reported To King Of Rhodes Catamaran
According to local media reports, the owner of King of Rhodes filed documentation detailing multiple types of damage sustained during the collision.
The claim lists broken mooring caps, detached mooring pins, the complete loss of the vessel’s passenger boarding and disembarkation ladder, and destruction of the starboard platform that protects the catamaran’s propulsion system.
Beyond the visible damage, the owner has expressed serious concerns about potential hidden structural harm.
The catamaran’s hull, stern, mooring points, and propulsion system may have sustained damage that cannot be assessed without a comprehensive technical inspection.
To fully determine the extent of any such damage, King of Rhodes must be lifted from the water and examined by qualified marine technicians and naval architects.
This process requires specialist equipment and facilities, adding both time and expense to the situation.
Loss Of Revenue Compounds Financial Impact
The damage and subsequent need for inspection means King of Rhodes cannot currently operate its regular tourist sailing schedule.
The catamaran provides daily excursion services as part of the Sea Dreams fleet, carrying passengers between Rhodes, Symi, and Marmaris.
According to the company’s website, King of Rhodes is described as “a modern, closed type vessel” equipped with air conditioning and a snack bar.
The catamaran has a passenger capacity of 338 guests and can reach speeds of 33 knots (38 miles per hour).
The €400,000 claim – equivalent to roughly $448,000 USD – rep
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