Fed: 15 Australians rescued off listing Greek cruise ship

AAP General News (Australia)
04-06-2007
Fed: 15 Australians rescued off listing Greek cruise ship

SYDNEY, April 6 AAP - There were 15 Australians on board a Greek cruise ship which
ran aground near the Aegean Sea island of Santorini, the Department of Foreign Affairs
and Trade (DFAT) said today.

The Greek-registered Sea Diamond started listing after it struck rocks in a sea-filled
volcanic crater and a hole was torn in its hull.

A three-hour rescue operation evacuated 1,600 passengers and crew off the vessel and
took them to shore.

Local fishermen joined coast guards, nearby ferries and the Greek military in the effort,
that involved helping hundreds of passengers who climbed down rope-ladders from the back
of the listing vessel.

All the Australians who were rescued from the vessel yesterday have continued their
cruise on another ship operated by the same company, a DFAT spokeswoman said.

There were no casualties or injuries reported, she said.

"Our consul from Athens has been in touch with them to make sure everything is okay," she said.

AAP kd/cp/mn

KEYWORD: GREECE SHIP DFAT

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