The government of Greece ordered the raising of a sunken cruise vessel that foundered off the island of Santorini 10 years ago, leaving 2 passengers missing and presumed dead.
Merchant Marine Ministry said on Friday, October 21, that the wreck of Sea Diamond posed a potential environmental risk and was a hazard to shipping.
On 5 April 2007, the 143-meter (470-foot) ship struck a volcanic reef in a sea-filled crater that was formed by a massive volcanic eruption around 3,500 years ago. It lies over 91 meters (300 feet) deep.
Nearly all of the 1,600 cruise passengers and crew were evacuated, but a 45-yo French traveler and his teenage daughter probably drowned. Unfortunately, their bodies were not located.