Drifting Greek passenger ferry towed to safety

Greek passenger ferry Melina II issued a distress signal on Tuesday after suffering engine failure off the coast of Syros amid high winds.

Two commercial ships nearby sought to assist the vessel and the coast guard arranged for a towboat to retrieve it.

A coast guard official told media that that the crew comprised seven Greek nationals, including the captain, who were all said to be unharmed, and that no passengers had been aboard.

The Melina had been anchored in a Myconos bay but the mooring lines snapped in the bad weather and one of its propellers was damaged, knocking out its engine.

Strong winds drew the vessel out to sea.