Funding approved for ferry passengers and crew stranded in Aegean

The Regional Authority of the Aegean on Friday approved funding of 35,000 euros to provide assistance to 227 passengers and the crew aboard the Vitsentzos Kornaros passenger ferry, which ran aground on Thursday near the port of the southeastern Aegean island of Kasos.

Coast guard authorities said that adverse weather conditions in the area had made any rescue efforts perilous, adding that a fresh attempt would made on Saturday.

In the meantime, authorities will be delivering food and clothing, as well as other essentials, for the passengers.