Maritime Safety: A Blue Star ferry (Blue Carrier 2) caught fire off Mykonos, with 29 people rescued and the vessel later abandoned as coast guard and firefighting units worked to control the blaze. Energy & Environment: Greece is set for its first offshore exploratory drilling in nearly 50 years, with ExxonMobil expected to begin work in the Ionian Sea in early 2027, raising fresh questions about environmental safeguards. Tourism Skills & Sustainability: INSETE announced 2026–2027 executive seminars for tourism professionals, including AI marketing and ESG training aimed at cutting greenwashing and improving service standards. Smart Tourism Tech: Dubrovnik’s digital “Pass” won a European award for smart tourism, using visitor monitoring and crowd forecasting to protect heritage while managing demand. Local Disaster Response: Search efforts continue after an explosion and building collapse in Athens’ Plaka area, where a woman was found dead and five others remain missing. Weather Watch: Reports flag heavy rain and storms expected across Greece over the weekend, with potential impacts for travel and coastal areas. Marine Plastic Fight: Greek social enterprise Enaleia debuted in New York during Climate Week NYC, pushing solutions to marine plastic pollution and sustainable fishing. Industrial Emissions Oversight: The EU Commission issued updates on infringement procedures tied to environmental protection, including actions involving Greece. Biodiversity & Nature: A women-only birdwatching group in Greece-linked coverage highlights community-led wildlife interest and conservation culture.