A powerful undersea earthquake near the Greek island of Crete is being investigated as a possible factor in the capsizing of the luxury ocean liner SS Poseidon just after midnight on New Year’s Eve, a catastrophe that has left only six survivors confirmed, and hundreds feared dead.
The earthquake, preliminarily measured at magnitude 7.8, struck in the Hellenic subduction zone northwest of Crete, a seismically active region capable of producing major offshore events. While experts are examining whether the quake may have generated extreme ocean conditions, authorities emphasized that no definitive cause has been confirmed.
“At this point, we cannot conclusively determine what overturned the vessel,” said a senior European maritime official overseeing the response. “Sea state, seismic activity, and ship dynamics are all under review.”
Poseidon, captained by Frank Harrison and on its final voyage before retirement, was carrying more than 1,300 passengers and crew and hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration when the incident occurred. According to survivor accounts, the ship experienced a sudden, violent impact, rolling and capsizing within minutes. Power was immediately lost, plunging much of the vessel into darkness.
Rescue officials confirmed that the ship is currently resting completely inverted, with significant portions submerged. Fires were reported in several interior compartments following the capsizing, further complicating rescue efforts.
“We do not have visibility into most of the interior,” said a rescue officer on scene. “Flooding, heat damage, and unstable structural conditions make entry extremely dangerous. We simply cannot see the extent of the damage inside.”
The six confirmed survivors, whose identities have not been released, were located near the stern of the ship, having escaped through an opening close to the propeller shaft, one of the few areas that remained above water long enough to allow an exit. Officials said the group endured hours climbing in the wreckage before being recovered by Italian rescue teams. One of the survivors could be reportedly heard mumbling, “There’s got to be a morning after.”
Search-and-recovery operations remain ongoing, though officials acknowledged that hopes of finding additional survivors are fading. Multiple bodies have been recovered from surrounding waters, but authorities have not released an official casualty figure.
Among those confirmed dead is the ship’s chaplain, Reverend Frank Scott, 42, who survivors say led ten passengers to the engine room amid twisted metal, fire, and explosions. One survivor described Scott’s actions as “an extraordinary act of courage.”
According to the vessel’s operator, the SS Poseidon had passed recent safety inspections and was considered seaworthy. Investigators are now examining ship design, emergency response protocols, crew actions, and environmental conditions at the time of the disaster.
Naval vessels, helicopters, and dive teams continue to work the scene amid challenging sea conditions. Families of passengers have begun gathering at ports and embassies across Europe, awaiting news. “What should have been a night of celebration has become a tragedy of staggering scale,” one official said. “This is a loss that will be felt across the world.”
Further updates are expected as the investigation continues. For continuing coverage, watch The Poseidon Adventure, the perfect New Year’s Eve film, currently streaming on Prime.
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