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Rescue Efforts for Ferry Accident Victims Continue in Greece
The search and rescue efforts for the victims of the "Express Samina" ferry, which hit a rock and sank off the Aegean island of Paros Tuesday night, continued on Thursday as the death toll has reached 66.
Despite strong winds and high tides, six Greek naval ships, four helicopters and other rescue groups were combing the stormy seas off Paros and its rocky coast for survivors and bodies of victims.
Of the 66 dead, 54 have been identified including an 18-month-old Greek toddler and a 51-year-old Norwegian woman.
The unidentified bodies have been transferred to the capital city of Athens.
A total of 452 survivors have been rescued so far, including 72 foreigners.
The Greek authorities are reportedly unable to accurately estimate the number of missing persons as the children aboard the ferry did not buy tickets.
It is expected that the number of deaths in the accident will increase.
At a meeting on Thursday with the ministerial council, Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis ordered an investigation into the accident.
People on the island of Paros Thursday began a two-day mourning for the victims of the sea disaster.
Meanwhile, Queen Elizabeth of Britain and Israeli President Moshe Katsav extended their condolences and deepest sympathy to the families of the victims.
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