Tragedy Strikes as Cargo Ship Sinks off Greek Coast : Four Indians Among Missing Crew

Tragedy Strikes as Cargo Ship Sinks off Greek Coast, Four Indians Among Missing Crew

In a tragic maritime incident off the Greek island of Lesbos, the cargo ship Raptor, en route from Egypt to Istanbul with 6,000 tons of salt, sank in stormy seas on a fateful Sunday morning. Out of the 14 crew members aboard, eight were Egyptians, four were Indians, and two were Syrians. The distressing news unfolded as the vessel, registered in the Comoros, reported a mechanical problem around 7 am and subsequently sent out a distress signal. The ship vanished approximately 8 km southwest of Lesbos.

One Egyptian crew member was fortunate enough to be rescued in the initial stages of a massive search and rescue operation. However, the fate of the remaining 13 crew members, including the four Indians, remains uncertain as search teams intensify efforts in challenging conditions.

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Coordinating the rescue mission, a coast guard spokeswoman revealed that eight merchant ships, two helicopters, and a Greek navy frigate have been deployed to scour the area for any signs of life. Despite the challenging weather conditions, three coast guard vessels are attempting to reach the location, hampered by rough seas exacerbated by northwesterly winds exceeding 80 kph per hour, according to the national weather service.

This unfortunate incident sheds light on the perils faced by seafarers navigating the tumultuous waters of the Aegean Sea, where unpredictable weather patterns can escalate into life-threatening situations. The crew of the Raptor, in the midst of their journey, encountered a mechanical problem, prompting a distress call that eventually led to the ship’s disappearance.

The gravity of the situation is underscored by the massive response mobilized to locate the missing crew. With merchant ships, helicopters, and a navy frigate involved in the search efforts, the international community is rallying to bring any survivors to safety. However, the challenging weather conditions, marked by strong winds, are posing significant obstacles to the ongoing rescue operations.

It is worth noting that the incident adds to a series of maritime challenges faced by Greece in recent times. Earlier this month, a historic Greek warship suffered damage from gale force winds after repeatedly colliding with a dock. The nation has been grappling with the aftermath of consecutive storms, leading to widespread flooding in various regions.

As the search for the missing crew members continues, the maritime community is reminded of the inherent risks associated with seafaring, emphasizing the need for robust safety measures and emergency response protocols. The crew of the Raptor, comprising individuals from different nationalities, highlights the global nature of the shipping industry and the shared responsibility to ensure the well-being of those navigating the seas.

A coast guard spokeswoman told AP that eight merchant ships, two helicopters and one Greek navy frigate were searching for survivors. Three coast guard vessels had difficulty reaching the area because of rough seas, she added.

Northwesterly winds in excess of 80 kph per hour are blowing in the area, the national weather service said. Earlier this month, a historic Greek warship was damaged by gale force winds after repeatedly hitting a dock.

A coast guard spokeswoman told AP that eight merchant ships, two helicopters and one Greek navy frigate were searching for survivors. Three coast guard vessels had difficulty reaching the area because of rough seas, she added. Northwesterly winds in excess of 80 kph per hour are blowing in the area, the national weather service said.Earlier this month, a historic Greek warship was damaged by gale force winds after repeatedly hitting a dock.

Expressions of solidarity and support are pouring in for the families of the missing crew members, as the international community hopes for positive developments in the ongoing search and rescue operations. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the unpredictable challenges faced by seafarers and the collective efforts required to address emergencies in the maritime domain.