The SS Heraklion was a Greek passenger ferry that operated between Crete and Piraeus. On a stormy night, the ship was making its regular journey across the Aegean Sea when it encountered fierce weather. Strong winds and high waves overwhelmed the vessel, which began taking on water. Despite attempts to reach safety, the crew was unable to manage the rapidly deteriorating conditions. As the ferry sank, chaos ensued among the more than 400 passengers and crew members onboard. The tragedy marked one of the worst maritime disasters in Greek history. Many of the victims were from local communities in Crete, heading towards the mainland for various reasons including work, studies, and travel. The storm's ferocity and the ship's structural vulnerabilities contributed significantly to the disaster's severity. It was later revealed that the ship had insufficient safety provisions and was not adequately prepared to face such extreme weather. The sinking of the SS Heraklion triggered increased scrutiny of maritime regulations and safety standards in Greece, leading to reforms in ferry operations and safety measures across the Aegean.