World
Super-yacht crew setting off fireworks allegedly sparks catastrophic blaze on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite islands
The crew of a super yacht allegedly started a catastrophic forest fire on one of Jeff Bezos’ favorite Greek isles — after setting off fireworks to entertain guests.
More than a dozen workers and passengers aboard the lux Persefoni I craft were arrested for the environmental disaster that scorched the island of Hydra on Friday night, just a week after Bezos, fiancee Lauren Sanchez and his son Preston celebrated Father’s Day there.
The US Embassy and Consulate in Greece had issued a Natural Disaster Alert earlier Friday warning the public of potential wildfire risks as extreme high temperatures gripped the region.
The accused boaters were busted when they docked near Athens on Saturday. They denied involvement in the fiasco, which destroyed more than 70 acres of forest, according to local outlets.
Greece has suffered from ruinous wildfires and recently hardened its laws and penalties for arson. An arson conviction can land offenders there to 20 years in prison and a hefty fine of more than $200,000.
Hydra Island has long been a popular travel destination for celebs and is known for inspiring a host of artists and musicians such as Leonard Cohen and Picasso.