ATHENS, Jan. 6 (Xinhua) -- A Marshall Islands-flagged cargo vessel ran adrift in southern Greece on Monday, as the country was battered by a cold snap, according to Greek national news agency AMNA.
"Aeolos" ship with 22-member strong crew, carrying metal from Turkey to Argentina, went adrift off the coasts of southeastern Peloponnese peninsula, amid rough seas with winds up to 10 on the Beaufort scale blowing in the area, according to an e-mailed Coast Guard press release.
Vessels sailing nearby were requested to assist the Coast Guard's operation to tug the ship.
With temperatures ranging close to zero and half the country covered in snow, most ships remained docked at ports across the country.
Traveling has been disrupted in many parts of Greece, as roads in mountainous regions from the north to Crete Island have been closed due to snow and ice and authorities have advised motorists to avoid unnecessary travel and use snow chains.
Regarding air travels, an airplane returned to Thessaloniki airport in northern Greece on Monday after facing bad weather conditions en route to Samos Island.
The cold snap, which has also brought heavy showers in many parts of the country, has also caused power cuts in towns and villages on the islands of Evia, Zakynthos, Tinos and Andros.
According to the National Observatory of Athens, the adverse weather conditions will continue on Tuesday.
