KUALA LUMPUR: Five Malaysians were rescued by the Greek Coast Guard after the vessel carrying them sank off the coast of Kastellorizo, Greece on Tuesday.
The Foreign Ministry said the vessel experienced technical and navigational system failures during its voyage, causing it to strike a coral reef before sinking near the coast of the island, which lies at the southeastern tip of the Aegean Sea close to the Turkish mainland.
The ministry, in a statement today, said three of the five Malaysians were released by Greek authorities after completing documentation and immigration processes.
However, two remain in detention to assist investigations into alleged violations of local environmental laws, specifically concerning damage to the marine ecosystem caused by the collision with the reef.
"The Malaysian Embassy in Bucharest, which is accredited to Greece, is in close contact with the relevant Greek authorities and is extending all necessary consular assistance to the detained nationals," the ministry said.
The ministry added it would continue to monitor developments closely and provide updates as necessary.
The ministry did not disclose the nature of the vessel, the purpose of the voyage, or the identities of those involved. - NST
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