ATHENS - Awaiting possible charges for docking at a Turkish-Cypriot port last week a Greek cargo company has been given a huge fine for other offences, Greek maritime authorities said Thursday.
The storm erupted on May 6 when the Greek-flagged Aegean Sun docked at the port of Famagusta in Turkish-held northeast Cyprus, which is illegal under Greek law.
Furious Greek authorities called the ship to Athens where after inspections the owners were charged with on board security infractions unrelated to the docking and which led to the fine of 5.2 million euros (6.6 million dollars).
The ship's captain and the owner Aegean Cargo have been suspended from sailing but have yet to be charged on the potentially more serious matter of the illegal docking.
The company's lawyer Philippos Koteas said Sunday a British company that was using the ferry to transport used cars had forced the captain to dock at Famagusta after originally telling him the destination was Turkey.
Cyprus has been divided since 1974 when a Greek-Cypriot coup aimed at union with Greece prompted a Turkish military intervention.
05/12/2005 15:51 GMT