A cargo ship carrying 14 crew members sank off the coast of the Greek island of Lesbos on Sunday amidst rough seas caused by Storm Bettina, according to Hellenic Navy officials. The vessel, named the "Raptor," was en route from Egypt to Istanbul when it encountered mechanical issues, prompting the captain to radio for assistance. While one crew member was rescued by a Hellenic Navy helicopter, the search continues for the 13 remaining missing sailors.

The incident occurred as a low-pressure system, referred to as Storm Bettina by Greek meteorologists, battered Greece with powerful gale-force winds and heavy downpours. The Hellenic National Meteorological Center had issued a Code Orange emergency warning on Friday, cautioning of hazardous weather conditions across the country.

Greece has recently experienced a series of severe weather events. Last month, Storm Daniel caused significant flooding in the city of Volos, leaving streets submerged and drivers struggling to navigate through the deluge. The region was still recovering from the aftermath of Storm Daniel when Storm Bettina struck, exacerbating the challenges faced by affected communities.

The Greek Coast Guard is working tirelessly to locate the missing crew members despite the perilous conditions. Gale warnings remain in effect for the Aegean Sea, Black Sea, and coastal areas of Greece until Sunday. Forecasters predict wind speeds of up to 9 or 10 on the Beaufort Wind Scale, characterized by high waves, winds reaching 54 mph, and reduced visibility at sea.

While Greece braces for further inclement weather, Storm Bettina is set to move towards the Northwest Black Sea, heading towards Libya. The storm's impact is not limited to Greece alone, as it prompts weather warnings across Eastern Europe, triggering blizzard conditions in Romania and Ukraine.

Interestingly, the naming of windstorms is not exclusive to hurricanes. Just as the National Hurricane Center has a list of names for tropical storms, countries like Greece also name windstorms based on their regions. Greece falls under the Eastern Mediterranean Group, which includes Cyprus and Israel.

The recovery efforts in Greece and the search for the missing sailors underline the challenges posed by severe weather conditions and the importance of preparedness and timely response. As the country continues to endure the impact of Storm Bettina, it is crucial to prioritize the safety and well-being of those affected while remaining vigilant in the face of future weather events.

Forecasters anticipate an improvement in weather conditions for Greece as Storm Bettina moves away from the region. However, the memory of recent storms serves as a reminder of the unpredictability and destructive power of nature, urging communities to stay vigilant and prepared for future weather challenges.