Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends memorial ceremonies for the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of Destroyer “Vasilissa Olga”

Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis attends memorial ceremonies for the 82nd anniversary of the sinking of Destroyer "Vasilissa Olga"

September 26, 2025

On Friday 26 September 2025, the Deputy Minister of National Defence Thanasis Davakis, attended the memorial ceremonies for the 82^ndanniversary of the sinking of Destroyer "Vasilissa Olga" by German Bombers, in Leros.

The Deputy Minister of National Defence attended the Doxology in the Holy Cathedral of St. Nicholas, in Lakki, Leros, which was officiated by his Eminence the Metropolitan of Leros, Kalymnos, and Astypalea Mr. Paisios, the memorial service, and laid a wreath at the Monument of the Fallen. Following, he boarded Gunboat "MAHITIS" and proceeded to the sinking location of Destroyer "Vasilissa Olga", where he laid a wreath of laurels, in honour of the heroic crew.

The ceremonies were attended by MPs for the Dodekanese Giannis Pappas, Vasilis Ypsilantis, and Giorgos Nikitiadis, the Commander of the Hellenic Navy Logistics Command, Vice Admiral (ENG) Panagiotis Dimitroglou HN, as representative of the Chief/HNGS, the Mayor of Leros Timotheos Kottakis, the Head of the Regional Unit of Kalymnos Emmanouil Mousellis, the Commanding General of the 80^thHigher National Guard Battalions Command, Brigadier General Dimitrios Kouletsis, the Commander of the 8^th Coast Guard Regional Command, Coast Guard Captain Ioannis Margaris, relatives and representatives of the fallen crews of Destroyer "Vasilissa Olga" and British ship "HMS Intrepid", representatives of the Security Forces, institutions, and social clubs.

Among others, Thanasis Davakis stated the following in his address:

"The sacrifice of the crew of "Vasilissa Olga" is a beacon and guide for the Nation. It is a symbol of the struggle for its freedom and ideals.

This ship belongs to the legendary history of our Navy, which continues its work with the same faith, the same courage, and the same decisiveness.

It is strong and operationally advanced, while also always at the ready to defend, if need be, our seas!".