Rescue Workers Evacuating Greek Cruise Ship

The Sea Diamond, a Greek cruise ship, called for help earlier today after running aground in shallow water. Now rescue helicopters and over a dozen ships are working to evacuate the 1,600 people on board. While local weather conditions are good, workers are trying to move quickly as the ship is taking on water.

Some of the 1,200 passengers — mostly from Germany and the U.S. — have already begun boarding lifeboats and abandoning ship. The ship has an additional 400 crew that will most likely have to be evacuated.

Fortunately, at least some of the passengers have reached Santorini, the nearest island, and “no one has been hurt,” a local official told Reuters.

No word on how long the operation is expected to take.