According to recent reports, a cargo ship has sunk off the coast of a Greek island, resulting in one confirmed fatality and 12 individuals currently missing. The incident has raised concerns and efforts are underway to locate and rescue the missing individuals. The details surrounding the cause of the sinking are currently under investigation.
A Major Rescue Operation Launched After Cargo Ship Sinks off the Coast of Lesbos
Over the weekend, a harrowing rescue operation took place as a cargo ship sank in the treacherous waters off the coast of Lesbos island in Greece. The Comoros-flagged ship, named Raptor, met its tragic fate approximately 4.5 nautical miles southwest of Lesbos in the early hours of Sunday.
Rescue Operation
The Greek coastguard swiftly responded to the distress call, mobilizing five cargo ships, three coast guard vessels, air force and navy helicopters, and a navy frigate to aid in the search and rescue efforts. Unfortunately, one crewmember lost their life in this tragic incident, while another was successfully rescued. However, the fate of twelve individuals remains unknown as they are still missing at sea.
Details of the Incident
The ill-fated vessel, built in 1984, initially reported a mechanical failure at 07:00 hrs local time. However, just a short while later, the captain issued a Mayday distress call, informing authorities that the ship was listing dangerously. Shortly after this distress call, the ship disappeared from radar, leaving rescuers with a race against time to locate any survivors.
The Vessel and Crew
Raptor, operated by Cedar Marine Services of Lebanon, had departed from Egypt carrying a shipment of salt destined for Istanbul. The crew consisted of eleven Egyptians, two Syrians, and one Indian. Their families and loved ones anxiously await news of their fate as the search operation continues.
Weather Conditions
The weather conditions at the time of the incident were severe, with wind gusts reaching 9-10 on the Beaufort scale, indicating strong gale to storm force. The Hellenic National Meteorological Service had issued an emergency weather warning on Saturday as Storm Oliver approached Greece from the Adriatic Sea. The warning was later upgraded from "worsening weather" to "dangerous weather phenomena," highlighting the challenging conditions faced by both rescuers and those onboard the ill-fated ship.
Summary
As the investigation into this tragic incident unfolds, our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of the crewmembers who are still missing. We commend the Greek coastguard and all those involved in the rescue operation for their tireless efforts in these perilous conditions. May their determination and expertise lead to a successful outcome and bring solace to those affected by this maritime tragedy.
(This article is sourced from Splash247.com and curated by Thetransporteronline24)
