Tragedy struck the port of Piraeus on Sunday evening when a car plunged into the sea near the port’s Gate E2, leaving at least one person dead and two elderly passengers unconscious.

According to initial reports, a 45-year-old man was recovered dead from the water, while two other occupants, aged 82 and 79, were pulled from the vehicle unconscious after becoming trapped inside.

A major search and rescue operation was immediately launched, involving a Hellenic Coast Guard vessel and a specialist team from its Underwater Missions Unit.

Private boats and a Pilotage Service vessel also assisted in the operation, as rescuers worked to free the two elderly passengers amid mounting fears for their lives.

Three ambulances from Greece’s EKAB emergency medical service were dispatched to the scene.

The circumstances in which the vehicle ended up in the sea remain unclear.