25 Dead, at Least 60 Missing After Greek Ferry SinksTwenty-five people died and more than 60 went missing after a Greek ferry with 511 aboard ran aground and sank off the Aegean island of Paros late on Tuesday.The merchant marine ministry said more than 350 people were quickly rescued and taken to ashore by coast guard, trawlers, pleasure craft and fishing boats after the Express Samina ferry foundered in strong winds. A total of 357 people from the Express Samina were taken to local hospitals on Paros, while others were put up in hotels. Many of the less seriously injured were being treated for cuts, bruises and hypothermia. "The vessel ran aground at about 10:30 p.m. (1930 GMT) about two miles from Paros. There were 447 passengers and 64 crew on board," a merchant marine ministry official told Reuters. "Coast guard vessels, tugs and fishing boats rushed to the scene to evacuate the ship. The rescue operation is still under way," the official said. A C-130 plane, helicopters and 40 ships were participating in the rescue operation, including the British Royal Navy's HMS Liverpool, which was in the region at the time. Hundreds of local people in pleasure craft and fishing boats joined the rescue effort as many potential survivors were thought to have swum to nearby islets, while others were believed to still be in the sea. Doctors from all neighboring islands were called to Paros and a special medical team was being flown in from Athens. |
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