6 Dead, Dozens Missing After Ship Sinks Off Turkey’s Coast

A cargo ship carrying illegal immigrants broke apart in a storm just off Turkey’s southern coast Monday, killing at least six people. Dozens more were missing and feared dead, locked in a cargo area that plunged to the seabed.

At least 83 people--10 crew members and 73 passengers--were on board the Georgian-flagged Pati when it foundered early Monday, officials said. After it broke in two, one half sank about 100 yards off the Mediterranean resort of Kemer, while the other half drifted toward the rocky shore.

Thirty-two people were saved, said Can Karaca, who was supervising the rescue efforts, but hope for the 45 still missing was dim. Rescue operations were called off Monday afternoon because of strong winds and high seas. Divers and helicopters were due to join the search today.

Karaca said survivors told him that many of the illegal immigrants had been locked in the cargo area in the sunken half of the ship.

“There is little hope to find them alive,” he said.

Ertugrul Dokuzoglu, governor of Antalya province, said more people may be missing since it was not clear how many passengers were on board.

All the passengers were illegal immigrants trying to make their way to Greece, Karaca said, adding that survivors identified the immigrants as Pakistanis, Moroccans and Bangladeshis. Indian and Afghan refugees were also believed to be on board. Thousands of illegal immigrants from Asia and the Middle East make their way through Turkey to other European countries each year.

Among those rescued were six crew members, including the ship’s Greek captain, who was detained for questioning, police said. Many survivors reportedly said they hadn’t been fed in three days.

The ship suffered a mechanical failure early Monday and sent out an SOS call, authorities said. The coast guard was unable to reach the ship by sea because of the storm, and the vessel drifted against rocks and split.

The Pati left the nearby port city of Antalya on Sunday heading for Greece, Dokuzoglu said.