This weekend, the Greek island of Hydra was engulfed in an environmental tragedy when the island’s only pine forest was devastated by a fire caused by a group of tourists. The 13 individuals, who were celebrating a private party aboard a luxury yacht, decided to launch fireworks, triggering a disaster of major proportions.

The yacht in question, whose weekly rent reaches 300,000 euros, was equipped with six cabins with a bathroom and a jacuzzi on deck. The tourists, confident in her opulence, did not foresee the consequences of her reckless act. The flames spread quickly due to high temperatures, which are around 40 degrees, and strong winds of up to 95 kilometers per hour, sweeping away a large part of the forest in an area that is difficult to access without roads.

Firefighters fight tirelessly to control the fire with the help of seaplanes, while Detainees face serious legal consequences. After appearing before the prosecutor, they have been given a period of 38 hours to prepare their defense. The penalties for their recklessness could range between ten and 20 years in prison and fines of up to 200,000 euros.

He mayor of Hydra, Georgios Koukoudakis, has expressed his indignation to the local media: “We are outraged that some people launch fireworks so irresponsibly in a forest.” Furthermore, he has announced that legal action will be taken against those responsible for the fire.

The tourists, after unsuccessfully trying to put out the first flames and calling the firefighters, fled, which aggravated the situation. This fire adds to the 64 that have emerged in the last 24 hours in Greecea nation on alert due to high temperatures and the risk of new fires.