Santorini cruise ship wreck ‘too costly’ to remove
The government says it is not in a position to salvage the wreck of the Sea Diamond cruise liner, which sank of the coast of Santorini four years ago.
Two people drowned when the cruise ship hit a rocky outcrop close to the island?s shore in April 2007. The wreckage of the ship has remained on the sea bed ever since, much to the annoyance of the island?s residents.
Responding to a question in Parliament, Marine Affairs Minister Yiannis Diamantidis said that the government cannot afford to remove the ship?s hulk.
?The ministry cannot raise this shipwreck,? he said. ?We do not have the finances to do it as it will cost more than 150 million euros and this is an issue that the shipowner and insurance company have to deal with.?
Louis Cruise Lines, which owned the ship, has firmly rejected any responsibility for the sinking.
