Rescue operation under way after cargo ship sinks off Greece coast
Al JazeeraNov 29, 2023
12 Missing After Cargo Ship Sinks Off Greece Coast
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Image copyright: Francesco Pecoraro/Getty Images
The Facts
A rescue operation is underway to save 12 crew members of a cargo ship — reportedly transporting 6K tons of salt from Alexandria to Istanbul — that capsized in rough waves off Greece's coast early on Sunday.
According to the Coast Guard, the Comoros-registered Raptor — which sank 4.5 nautical miles (8 km) southwest of Lesbos — had a crew of 14, including eight Egyptians, four Indians, and two Syrians.
The Spin
Narrative A
While the exact reason behind the ship's sinking is still unknown, this incident highlights how dangerous and unpredictable maritime transportation can be and how crucial it is to put safeguards in place to mitigate potential emergencies at sea and stop similar incidents from happening in future.
Narrative B
Another maritime catastrophe is unfolding in the Mediterranean. We have almost become used to African migrant ships in distress, but this time, it's an old cargo ship with a mechanical issue that sank due to poor weather. A vessel like that had no business being at sea under storm-like conditions.
