In continuation of the Memorial Events organized by the Municipality of Argostoli and British and Greek friends of the history of the Submarine Perseus, on the afternoon of Friday, June 19, 2026—following the morning event in Sarakiniko, Poros, Kefalonia—another event of historical significance took place at the Cultural Center in Skala, Kefalonia!
The presenter of the Memorial Event was the excellent President of the Women’s Cultural Association of Skala “Penelope,” Litsa Meleti!
Next to speak was the Deputy Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi and Tourism of the Municipality of Argostoli, Nikos Kourkoumelis. The Deputy Mayor revealed the Municipal Authority’s intention to establish an exhibition space in Mavrata or elsewhere, as soon as a suitable location and time are found, dedicated to the Submarine Perseus. He emphasized the global importance of this story, noting that seven films and documentaries have been produced about it, and that it has even been covered by international media.
Representing the British community of Kefalonia, Chris Gaylor also spoke about the history of the Submarine Perseus, its sole survivor John Capes, the Greek Lieutenant Commander Nikolaos Merlin, and the bravery of the people of Kefalonia.
The former Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi, Andreas Zapantis, once again demonstrated his vast knowledge of the history of the Submarine Perseus. He spoke in detail about the story and reminded attendees of the local Skala community’s efforts that led to the discovery of the wreck in December 1997.
The former Regional Vice-Governor of Kefalonia and Ithaca, Stavros Travlos, along with his cousin Vangelis Thomatos, shared revelations of historical importance about their grandfather Vangelis Thomatos and the month he and his family risked their lives—and the safety of their village—to shelter John Capes in Simotata. As the former Vice-Governor noted, this story surpasses even the most imaginative Hollywood scenarios. A particularly moving moment was the appearance and testimony of the Vice-Governor’s uncle, Dimitris, who was a 5-year-old child at the time and the son of Vangelis Thomatos.
Next, the author and naval history researcher Kristy Emilio Ioannidou took the floor. In addition to the story of the Submarine Perseus, she spoke in detail about the life of the Greek Lieutenant Commander Nikolaos Merlin.
Concluding the historically significant speeches, Michalis Proimakis, representative of the Hellenic Submarine Association, addressed the audience, providing mainly technical, historical, and other details about the Submarine Perseus.
The Memorial Event for the Submarine Perseus in Skala was attended by a large crowd of Greeks, Britons, Dutch, and people of other nationalities. Among the officials present were the Honorable Mayor of Argostoli Theofilos Michalatos, the priest Konstantinos Zapantis, the President of Skala Giorgos Travlos, the President of Poros Odysseas Galiatsatos, the President of DIAD.EY.A.D.K. Argyris Gavrielatos, the Director of DIAD.EY.A.D.K. Gerasimos Simotas, the Director of the Municipal School of Poros, Kefalonia, Dimitrios Vervéris, and many others.
Also in attendance were Ron Dickerson, nephew of the lost sailor Ronald Dickerson, and other members of the Perseus submarine group who had participated in the morning memorial events in Poros.
Finally, the attendees and friends of historical memory experienced the exceptional hospitality of the women of the Skala Women’s Cultural Association “Penelope,” who prepared a delicious buffet for them. Additionally, the Deputy Mayor of Eleios-Pronnoi and Tourism, Nikos Kourkoumelis, announced—following coordination with the friends of the Submarine Perseus—that the next memorial event will take place on June 6, 2027.
Spiros Kagadis
For more and more detailed coverage of all the exceptionally interesting events that took place in Skala, please watch my video here:
https://youtu.be/xYqajgoiqkk?feature=shared
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