Greek Ferry with 763 Passengers Safely Rescued After Grounding

File photo shows M/F Europalink, formerly part of the Finnlines fleet. Photo (c) MarineTraffic/Michael Schroder

Update: Europalink Captain and Chief Officer Arrested

An Italian-flagged ferry with over 760 people onboard sustained damage and was taking on water after running aground near the small Greek island of Peristeres.

According to the Hellenic Coast Guard, the M/F Europalink was sailing to Italy from Patras, Greece with 693 passengers, 70 crew and 366 vehicles when it ran aground early Sunday along the small island located near the northern entrance to the Straits of Corfu on the west coast of Greece. The Captain of the ferry reported that the vessel sustained damage to its starboard side and was taking on water, but the inflow was being contained to certain compartments of the ship.

Video from the ship showed passengers donning lifejackets while waiting in muster stations.

The ferry was escorted by Hellenic Coast Guard vessels to the port of Corfu where all passengers and vehicles disembarked. There were no injuries or pollution reported in the incident.

According to local media reports, several small cracks and two large holes were discovered in the hull of the ship. Photos of the ship in the port of Corfu show a noticeable list to starboard.

The Europelink is operated by Minoan Lines, part of Naples headquartered Grimaldi Group.