Cruise ship runs aground - passengers abandon ship
1200 passengers evacuated from SEA DIAMOND

Louis Cruise Lines' SEA DIAMOND has run aground near the island of Santorini in the Aegean Sea.

Passengers are reported to have abandoned ship in lifeboats and that the vessel has suffered damage to her hull and is taking on water.

She had left Piraeus on Monday for a five day cruise round some of the Greek islands and had been due to return tomorrow.

So far no-one is reported to have been hurt in the incident.

The 22,412grt vessel is reported to have taken on a heavy list. A local boatman told Antenna television that she had been attempting to moor but then ran aground in the shallow waters.


Particulars:
Cruise Line: Louis Cruise Line
Gross Tonnage: 22,412grt
Registry: Greece
Classification Society: DNV (Det Norske Veritas)
Cabin Capacity: 570 cabins (1357 passengers)
Cruising Speed: 18 knots
Passenger Decks: 10
Lifts: 4
Electric Current: 220V AC (two pin adaptor required)
Stabilised and air-conditioned
Crew: Europen Officers & International Crew (406)
Dimensions
Length: 468ft (142.95m)
Beam: 82ft (25.15m)
Draft: 20.1ft (6.15m)

The ship was called BIRKA PRINCESS until last year when she joined the Louis fleet being purchased from Birka Cruises of Finland for US$35 million. She was built for Birka in Valmet, Helsinki in 1986. She was Birka's first newbuilding, delivered to them April 22nd, 1986