1,200 people evacuated from ship off Greek island

By JERUSALEM POST STAFF
A cruise ship carrying nearly 1,200 passengers and 400 crew was being evacuated off the Greek island of Santorini on Thursday, after issuing a distress signal, authorities said. The Greek-flagged "Sea Diamond" apparently had hit rocks and was listing near the island's main port. More than a dozen ships were involved in the evacuation effort. Four navy rescue helicopters, a military transport plane and four warships also were been sent to the area. Hundreds of people could be seen on the deck of the ship waiting to be rescued, witnesses told state-run NET television. Most of the cruisers are believed to be American vacationers.