OMEN
05-06-2006, 09:31 PM
Johannesburg - The search for 26 missing crew of a Greek bulk carrier off the coast of Port Elizabeth has been suspended until further notice, said rescue officials on Saturday.
Search and rescue mission co-ordinator Jared Blows said the search was suspended because of bad light and would only resume if new information was received or any sightings of life-rafts were reported.
The 26 went missing when the 299m Alexandros T began breaking up in heavy seas on Wednesday, 600km off the coast of Port Elizabeth.
The bulk carrier was headed from Brazil to China with a load of steel.
The ship broke up very quickly, and survivors said not everyone could reach life-rafts.
Five people were rescued from a life-raft and one was plucked from the sea on Wednesday.
Another man was found on a life-raft on Thursday morning.
Four other life-rafts spotted by a rescue aircraft were empty.
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Search and rescue mission co-ordinator Jared Blows said the search was suspended because of bad light and would only resume if new information was received or any sightings of life-rafts were reported.
The 26 went missing when the 299m Alexandros T began breaking up in heavy seas on Wednesday, 600km off the coast of Port Elizabeth.
The bulk carrier was headed from Brazil to China with a load of steel.
The ship broke up very quickly, and survivors said not everyone could reach life-rafts.
Five people were rescued from a life-raft and one was plucked from the sea on Wednesday.
Another man was found on a life-raft on Thursday morning.
Four other life-rafts spotted by a rescue aircraft were empty.
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