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A crew on the luxury superyacht Persefoni I allegedly ignited a catastrophic forest fire on the Greek island of Hydra. The staff set off fireworks to entertain guests, sparking a blaze that scorched over 70 acres of forest. This happened just a week after Jeff Bezos, his fiancée Lauren Sanchez, and his son Preston traveled to the island to celebrate Father’s Day.

Authorities arrested more than a dozen staff and passengers from the yacht, the New York Post reported. They were caught when they docked near Athens on Saturday. The accused denied their involvement in the fire, but local reports tell a different story.

Greece had already been on high alert for wildfires. On Friday, the US Embassy and Consulate in Greece issued a Natural Disaster Alert, warning of potential wildfire risks due to extremely high temperatures in the region. Despite these warnings, the Persefoni I went ahead with its pre-planned fireworks display.

Hydra is known for its picturesque landscapes, historic architecture, and “sustainable” tourism. The island, a favorite of many celebrities and the ultra-wealthy, including Jeff Bezos, has a strict no-car policy. Tourists and locals travel by foot, donkey, or boat.

Greece has experienced devastating wildfires in recent years, leading to tougher arson laws. The country now imposes severe penalties for arson, including up to 20 years in prison and fines exceeding $200,000.

Luxury yachts like the Persefoni I often feature opulent amenities, including theatres, swimming pools, and helipads. According to the site SuperYachtFan, a Greek Millionaire owns Persefoni I and paid $25 million for the superyacht.

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