( dpa ) - Greek coast guard officials began evacuating a passenger ship carrying 280 people that ran aground off the Greek Aegean island of Poros, near Athens, Thursday.
Three rescue helicopters, a military transport plane, three coast guard vessels and nearby fishing boats were involved in taking off the first group of passengers of the "Giorgos", which ran aground three nautical miles off Poros in the Saronic Gulf.
The Merchant Marine Ministry said the ship ran aground near the rocky islet of Platia and that weather conditions in the area were good, and there was no immediate danger.
Officials said there were no reports of injuries.
News reports said the ship was taking in water. The vessel is one of several taking tourists on day trips between the port of Pireaus and the nearby islands of Aegina, Poros and Hydra.