Passengers saved from Greek tourist ship

Rescue crews evacuated 25 passengers from a sinking boat on the Ionian Sea today, Greek officials said.

The vessel, carrying mostly elderly tourists, apparently struck an object about two miles from the island of Paxi near Corfu in north-western Greece, the Merchant Marine Ministry said.

The passengers were taken aboard another boat and some were admitted to hospital for checks, the ministry added.

The nationalities of the passengers were not immediately known.

The 10-member crew remained aboard to try to save the vessel.