A major rescue operation was launched by Greek port authorities early this morning after a Vanuatu-flagged cargo ship ran aground on a rocky area north of Andros Island and subsequently sank.
The vessel, which was en route from Albania to Ukraine carrying approximately 8,000 metric tons of soda ash, sustained severe hull damage upon hitting the rocks, causing it to take on water and sink.
Crew rescued
A total of nine crew members were on board, including eight Turkish nationals and one Azerbaijani national. All nine sailors were successfully rescued in a coordinated operation by the Hellenic Coast Guard.
Two of the crew members were pulled from the water by a Coast Guard patrol boat, while the remaining seven were located and safely evacuated from a treacherous, rocky section of the coastline.
The rescued sailors were safely transported to the island’s port and are reportedly in good health.
Two Coast Guard vessels are currently operating at the scene, with another two en route. Additionally, the passenger ferry Samos, three nearby merchant ships, and a Hellenic Air Force helicopter rushed to the area to assist in the operation.
Favorable weather conditions in the area played a decisive role in the swift and successful rescue. The exact causes of the grounding and subsequent sinking are currently being investigated by the competent authorities.
Related: Viral Video of Greek Ferry Defying Gale-Force Winds in the Aegean
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