Five people were reported dead and another three missing from an explosion at a shipyard near Athens, reports said Friday.
The blast occurred during repairs on a Panamanian-flagged Friendship Gas tanker at the Perama shipyard, located just west of the Greek capital, reported dpa.
The Ministry of Merchant Marine said rescue crews were still searching the ship for three more people believed to be trapped inside.
Officials said another four people were injured in the blast which occurred in the late hours Thursday.
The ministry said it has arrested two people on suspicion of not following health and safety rules.
Workers at the shipyard has been planning a strike over such poor conditions. Last year two workers were killed while carrying out ship repairs at Perama.