Tanker Sinks Off Greece, Captain's Body Recovered

A Greek tanker with more than 2,000 tons of oil onboard has sunk off Piraeus’s port. Coast guard divers recovered the body of the Alpha 1’s 48-year-old Greek captain who was unable to abandon the ship once it began sinking. Its 10 crewmembers were rescued safely.

No oil leaks have been reported from the ship that was carrying 1,800 tons of fuel oil and about 240 tons of diesel. However, a plastic barrier has been set in place around the ship to contain any possible oil spills.

Officials on scene report that the vessel may have hit a wreck in Eleusina’s shallow bay, not far from the capital city of Athens. The ship, which was re-fueling, issued distress around 10:30 local time.