Zakynthos: Expert Study Aims to Give Iconic Shipwreck Beach a Second Chance

Navagio Beach, Zakynthos.

The shipwreck, from which Navagio beach on the Ionian Sea Island of Zakynthos is named after, is now having its very own scientific study concerning its preservation and survival.

Having been closed to the public for the last three years for safety reasons, the world-famous beach, the Navagio or Shipwreck, was during the last three months the subject of an interdisciplinary study, the result of the work of 38 experts, under the auspices of the Polytechnic School of Athens.

The results of their study, named “Research, Documentation and Proposals for the Preservation of the Zakynthos Shipwreck and its Safe Accessibility” was presented on June 29^th by the head of the working team, professor Dimitris Kaliabakos, in the presence of the president of the Technical University, Dr. Ioannis Hatzigeorgiou, and representatives of all local authorities of the Ionian Island.

The team of engineers, mechanics, naval architects, surveyors, metallurgists and others covered all aspects of the preservation of the old shipwreck which has fallen victim to the rust of time, as well as to its safe accessibility – as it happened for the last almost half century – by thousands of visitors every year.

Professor Dimitris Kaliabakos presenting the study to local authorities on Zakynthos. Photo source: Polytechnic School of Athens

An important conclusion of the study is the estimate of a cost of between 3 and 4 million euros, for the immediate protection of the shipwreck and the beach surrounding it.

The study was carried through on volunteer work by the experts while imperative machinery has already been installed and remains on the Navagio Beach to provide data in the future, as needed.

It is worth noting that according to the experts and with time consuming “bureaucratic” obstacles possibly bypassed on an emergency basis, it was calculated that the project could be completed within a three-month period. The urgency is great, noted professor Kaliabakos, as the site is prone to further and detrimental deterioration even during the next winter.

What should be done

The team of experts during their work on the beach. Photo source: Zakynthos Municipality

In spite of a great number of proposals and techniques for the preservation of the shipwreck and the safe access to it from the land, the basics come down to its protection from the sea water through the “management” of the sand on the small beach under the steep white rocks towering over it and the antirust protection of the old shipwreck its self, as well as its possible secure rebuilding with its side parts which have fallen open on the white sand.

The study focuses on the building of a safe overseeing spot from high above the beach, where thousands of people have taken photos, risking the approach to the steep cliff above this world-famous beach.

Presenting the study, Dr. Kaliabakos referred to the cultural and historical importance of the shipwreck beyond its financial benefits for the local tourist industry.

The study focuses on the building of a safe overseeing spot from high above the beach. Photo source: Polytechnic School of Athens

It is worth noting that Greek Tourism Minister Olga Kefalogianni had visited the island of Zakynthos in the beginning of June, where she expressed the central government’s interest for the preservation of Navagio beach.

The minister had said at the time that the government in Athens was waiting for studies before deciding how to proceed and that it would take the responsibility to preserve the iconic shipwreck with the local authorities undertaking the management of the project in the future.