A captain and a helmsman on a Greek luxury yacht have been arrested after fireworks fired from the boat are believed to have caused a forest fire on the Greek tourist island of Hydra.
The two men have testified on Wednesday and Thursday, reports the Greek news agency ANA. Eleven other crew members were initially arrested but have been released on bail.
The island's rescue service has stated that the fire, which has ravaged the island's only pine forest, was caused by fireworks fired from a boat. The revelations have sparked outrage, as has the news that a group of Kazakhs who had chartered the luxury yacht have been allowed to leave the country without testifying.
Greece has recently tightened penalties for arson. Offenders now risk up to 20 years' imprisonment and fines of up to 200,000 euro, equivalent to approximately 2,260,000 kronor.
Authorities in Greece have warned that heatwaves and strong winds lead to a high risk of forest fires.
Greece reported last week its first heatwave of the year, with temperatures exceeding 44 degrees in some areas. Last year, a two-week heatwave led to forest fires that claimed the lives of 20 people.
