Dimitrios Papanikolis (1790 – 1855), a native of Psara, from very early, as a child he followed his father in fighting against the Berber pirates. He took a very active part in the Hellenic War of Independence, fighting in the most important naval battles of that time. By making extensive use of fireships he became famous for his daring and seamanship, the first successful case was the sinking of an Ottoman third rate line ship, in the naval battle of Eresos (May 27, 1821).

During the reign of King Otto, as an active officer, he commanded various ships and after 1846, he served as president of the Naval Court Martial, a position which he held until his death.

In his honor, the name of Papanikolis has been given to a Hellenic Navy submarine twice.