Sunday, December 27, 2009

5 dead, 4 missing on Greek cargo ship off Venezuela

ATHENS, Dec. 26 (Xinhua) -- Five seamen, three Greeks and two Filipinos, were confirmed dead in a fire on a Greek cargo ship sailing off Venezuela, Greek authorities said on Saturday.

Four more Filipinos were reported as still missing from the mishap which occurred Friday on the cargo ship "Aegian Wind" owned by the Atlantic Bulk Carriers shipping company.

There were 24 crewmembers on the cargo ship which was transporting iron ore from Brazil to the United States. Nine of the crew staff are from Greece and the others are from the Philippines.

Experts are searching for clues to the cause of the fire which was put out after many hours.

Greek Economy Minister Louka Katseli and Citizen Protection Minister Mihalis Chrisohoidis sent on behalf of the Greek government condolences to the families of the deceased.

The ministers promised a thorough investigation on the cause of the fire so as to prevent similar incidents in future.

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