Cargo ships have been wrecked – and dozens are missing

The incident is said to have occurred in waters less than a mile southwest of the Greek island’s coast, but it is not clear exactly when or why. The ship sent out a technical error alert at 7 a.m. Sunday local time.

A little more than an hour later, the captain sounded the emergency alarm that the ship was beginning to capsize. Shortly after, it disappeared from the radar screens.

Rescue efforts began and at 12:30 local time, a rescue helicopter picked up an uninjured crew member from the sea. He is the only person found so far. Pictures show how he was taken to shore on a stretcher, with an oxygen mask and an emergency blanket.

Coast Guard ships that left the area are receiving support from Greek military ships and a helicopter. According to Greek media reports, there were 11 Egyptians, two Syrians and an Indian on board the sailing yacht.

The ship flies the Comoros flag and is just over 100 meters long and 16 meters wide. It was on its way from Egypt to Istanbul, Turkey, reportedly carrying a cargo containing salt.

Lesvos is located near the coast of Türkiye in the Aegean Sea. Warnings of strong winds had previously been issued in the area, and many ships canceled their scheduled trips and remained in port. The storm is heading toward the region from the Adriatic Sea.