In a harrowing maritime incident, a Comoros-flagged cargo ship carrying 14 individuals has tragically sunk off the shores of Lesbos, Greece, amid treacherous gale-force winds. The Greek coast guard launched a massive search and rescue operation following the vessel’s distress call on Sunday.
Amidst the tumultuous weather conditions, ERT state-run television reported the successful retrieval of one crew member by a navy helicopter. The intensity of the situation escalated as five cargo ships, three coast guard vessels, air force and navy helicopters, along with a navy frigate, united in a concerted effort to rescue those missing.
The state-run Athens News Agency (ANA) disclosed crucial details, stating that the cargo ship, laden with salt, went down approximately 4.5 nautical miles southwest of Lesbos in the early hours of Sunday. The vessel had embarked from Dekheila, Egypt, bound for Istanbul.
ANA’s report outlined the crew’s composition, comprising two Syrian nationals, four Indians, and eight Egyptians. The challenging weather conditions, reaching a formidable 9-10 on the Beaufort scale, led to docking restrictions across various parts of Greece on the preceding day.
The Hellenic National Meteorological Service (EMY) had issued a warning, escalating the situation from “worsening weather” to “dangerous weather phenomena” as Storm Oliver, also referred to as Bettina, approached from the Adriatic Sea, bearing down on Greece.
The tragic sinking of the cargo ship has prompted a race against time, with rescue teams battling adverse weather conditions to locate and rescue the 14 missing individuals. The ongoing operation stands as a testament to the dedication and collaborative efforts of multiple agencies amid the challenging circumstances, emphasizing the urgency and gravity of the situation amidst the natural turmoil.
This catastrophic event serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by seafarers navigating perilous waters, highlighting the unpredictable nature of maritime operations and the importance of swift and coordinated rescue efforts during crises.
Sources By Agencies