Four dead as tourist boat sinks after crash off Aegina

The Scotsman — Four people died when a tourist vessel sank after colliding with a speedboat off the Greek island of Aegina, near Athens.

A nine-year-old child and the boat’s captain are believed to be among those who died. At least four other people were injured in the crash, the coastguard said.

The tourist boat was transporting holidaymakers going for a swim, according to the coastguard. A search and rescue operation involving patrol boats, a helicopter and nearby private vessels was continuing to locate more possible survivors.

More than 20 people were believed to have been on board the tourist boat when it sank. However, the authorities said the precise number and details of how the incident occurred remained unclear as rescue efforts were focused on locating survivors.  A total of 21 people, including the injured, were rescued from the waters between Aegina and the small deserted islet of Moni.

Aegina Mayor Dimitris Mourtzis has been quoted as saying others remain missing.

The names and nationalities of the victims have not yet been given.