What is believed to have happened?
The body found yesterday by a passing ship in the sea area off Lesvos, where the cargo ship RAPTOR sank, has been identified. He is an Egyptian sailor, a member of the ship’s crew.
Yesterday, an Egyptian sailor, a member of the crew, who is being treated at the hospital in Mytilene, was found alive at the wreck site and was picked up by an Air Force helicopter.
So far, the search for the 12 members of the cargo ship remains fruitless. Two vessels of the Coast Guard, one frigate of the Navy and four floating ships are engaged in the investigations. Also, a helicopter of the LS is operating from the air at the site, while a FRONTEX aircraft will also participate.
The RAPTOR had a total of 14 crew members on board (one Indian, eleven Egyptians and two Syrian nationals) and was transporting salt from Egypt to Istanbul.
The master of the bulk carrier had stated mechanical failure and it is possible that there was a small inflow of water into the holds with a displacement of the cargo which resulted in the ship tilting and sinking.
