Marinos Zampatis

Marinos Zabatis, a young coast guard officer, dedicated his life to the service and protection of Greece’s maritime borders. As a member of the Special Missions Unit of the Corfu Port Authority, he embodied the ideals of duty, bravery, and sacrifice. Tragically, he lost his life in the early hours of April 27, 1997, at just 25 years of age, during an operation in the Bay of Panagia in Thesprotia.

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The Incident
At dawn that day, coast guard officers from Corfu detected an Albanian smuggling vessel heading toward the shores of Agioi Saranta. The officers signaled for the five passengers to submit to inspection, but were met with a hail of gunfire from Kalashnikov rifles. One of the bullets fatally struck Marinos Zabatis in the head. The young officer died in the line of duty, selflessly defending the safety and integrity of Greek territorial waters.

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Early Life and Family
Born in Preveza, Marinos was the only child of a hardworking family with roots in Meganisi, Lefkada. His father, a sailor, spent much of his life at sea, while his mother dedicated herself to raising and caring for their son. The environment in which he was raised instilled in him a deep sense of responsibility, self-discipline, and compassion.

From a young age, Marinos balanced school with work, demonstrating early on the value of hard work and perseverance. His upbringing taught him the importance of helping and supporting those in need—principles that guided him throughout his life.

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Education and Career
After completing his military service, where he served as a paratrooper, he joined the Hellenic Coast Guard in 1995 as a Cadet Coast Guard Officer. Since 2011, the force has been officially named the “Hellenic Coast Guard.” He was assigned to the Special Missions Unit of the Corfu Port Authority, where he stood out for his bravery, kindness, and selflessness.

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Character and Legacy
Those who knew Marinos Zabatis remember a young man with a radiant smile, a kind heart, and an unwavering sense of honor. His selflessness, courage, and free spirit left an indelible mark on everyone he met. He was known for his willingness to go above and beyond to help others, reflecting a profound sense of duty and solidarity.

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The Sacrifice of a Hero
His decision not to retreat from his mission, despite the criminals’ superior firepower, represents the essence of integrity and sacrifice. His unjust death shocked his community and the entire country, highlighting the often-unseen dangers faced by members of the Coast Guard.

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Honor and Recognition
The State, recognizing his heroic sacrifice, honored Marinos Zabatis in ways that reflect the magnitude of his service. In Corfu, at the site of the Port Authority where he served, a bust was erected in his honor. A similar bust stands in Meganisi, Lefkada—his ancestral home—as a sign of lasting gratitude and remembrance.

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By Presidential Decree issued on March 29, 2023, and in a ceremony held on May 18 of the same year, Marinos Zabatis was posthumously promoted to the rank of Lieutenant of the Hellenic Coast Guard. This recognition serves as both a moral and symbolic acknowledgment of the selflessness and loyalty with which he served his country.

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Additionally, the Greek Government honored his memory by naming one of the most advanced patrol vessels of the Hellenic Coast Guard after him. The LS 900 Marinos Zabatis, built in Italy and delivered in 2021, stands at the forefront of maritime border surveillance and search and rescue missions. The naming of the vessel constitutes a lasting tribute to the hero who served with self-sacrifice and gave his life for the safety of Greece.

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Eternal Remembrance
The legacy of Marinos Zabatis lives on in the hearts of those who knew him and in the collective memory of the nation—as a man who embodied bravery, selflessness, and unwavering dedication to duty. His memorial stands as a constant reminder of his sacrifice, and his story continues to inspire future generations of coast guard officers and citizens alike.

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Though his life was tragically short, it was marked by courage, compassion, and an unyielding devotion to his country. His sacrifice remains a timeless example of the values that define true heroism, ensuring that his memory will endure as a symbol of selfless service to Greece and its people.

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Postscript
On November 30, 2013, the then 55-year-old perpetrator of Marinos Zabatis’ murder was arrested by the Hellenic Police at the Kakavia border crossing.