Bomb threat prompts security operation around Crown Iris in Syros

Greek authorities launched a security operation at the island port of Syros after an unidentified caller claimed an explosive device had been fixed to the hull of a cruise ship bound for Israel.

Authorities identified the vessel as the Panama-flagged Crown Iris, which was preparing to depart for Haifa when the warning was received. A Greek newspaper reported that 940 passengers and 597 crew members were aboard the Israeli-owned ship at the time. Greek media reports identify Mano Maritime as the vessel’s operator.

Coast guard personnel conducted an initial inspection with an explosives-detection dog and a private diver. Authorities said the preliminary search did not uncover any suspicious objects, although the ship was not immediately authorized to resume its voyage.

Subsequent Hebrew-language media reports said more extensive searches also found no suspicious items or explosive devices and described the threat as a hoax.