The MS Express Samina was a French-built Roll-on/Roll-off Passenger (RoPax) ferry with a notable service history spanning several decades before its tragic sinking in 2000. Built in 1966 at Chantiers de l'Atlantique in St Nazaire, France, she was originally named MS Corse and was constructed for the Compagnie Générale Transatlantique. She shared her design and specifications with her sister ship, MS Comte De Nice. Over the years, the vessel underwent multiple transfers and name changes, reflecting her changing ownership and routes. In 1969, she was transferred to Compagnie Générale Transméditerranée, and later to SNCM in 1975. Her last French service ended in 1982, after which she was sold to Greek operators, initially operating as MS Golden Vergina under Stability Maritime. In 1988, she was acquired by Agapitos Bros and served under Agapitos Lines without a name change. In 1999, she was sold to Minoan Flying Dolphins and renamed Express Samina for operations in the Aegean Sea. The vessel was a typical RoPax ferry of her era, designed to carry both passengers and vehicles, with a significant vehicle deck and passenger accommodations. On the evening of September 26, 2000, while en route from Piraeus to the Greek island of Paros with 473 passengers and 61 crew, she struck the rocks of the Portes Islets off Parikia at 22:12 local time. The accident was caused primarily by crew negligence, as the ship was on autopilot with no crew actively monitoring her. A failure of the port stabilizer fin and the subsequent drift led to the vessel hitting the rocks, creating a 6-meter-long breach in the hull. The damage flooded the engine room and disabled electrical systems, preventing the closing of watertight doors. The sinking resulted in 80 deaths, with additional fatalities including the port officer on duty and the ship's CEO. The disaster highlighted critical safety failures, notably the open watertight doors, which contributed significantly to the rapid sinking. The ship eventually listed heavily and capsized within an hour, sinking near the islets. The incident prompted significant safety reforms in Greece, including stricter age limits and safety inspections for ferries, and the mandatory installation of voyage recorders. Criminal charges were brought against crew members and company officials, with sentences handed down for manslaughter and negligence. The disaster remains a stark reminder of the importance of maritime safety and crew vigilance.

This description has been generated using GPT-4.1-NANO based on the Vessel's wikidata information and then modified by ShipIndex.org staff.