ATHENS, April 6 (RIA Novosti) - A cruise ship that ran aground off a Greek island in the Aegean Sea Thursday has sunk, and at least two people have been reported missing, Greek television said Friday.
The Sea Diamond apparently hit rocks and was listing near Santorini Island, about half a mile from the ship.
On Thursday, 1,195 passengers and 391 crew were evacuated from the liner. No Russian nationals were on board. The crew comprised 21 Ukrainians.
Merchant Marine Minister Manolis Kefalogiannis said the causes of the accident was being investigated.
"The state mechanism worked smoothly, the situation is under control," the minister said, describing the rescue effort that was completed Thursday.
Television said Thursday that seven helicopters, two military transport airplanes and two frigates had been sent to rescue the people and the ship. People were also evacuated in lifeboats.
