Overview
- Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis confirmed the protection and restoration initiative on Wednesday, July 15, 2026, saying the state will act to preserve the MV Panagiotis.
- Reported plans call for a 30-metre extension of Navagio beach using about 45,000 cubic metres of gravel to push the ship farther from waves and slow hull erosion.
- Operational responsibility has shifted from central government to the Municipality of Zakynthos, which will work with the National Technical University of Athens on technical studies and design.
- The Earthquake Planning and Protection Organisation ordered the site closed after inspections found landslide risk, and authorities have kept Navagio beach off limits until at least 31 October 2026.
- Officials have not released a start date or detailed environmental and engineering studies for the works, leaving local tourism operators unsure when boat access and visits to the cove can resume.