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Bomb threat prompts checks on Israel-bound cruise ship in Greek port

Reuters

Nov 3 (Reuters) - A ‌bomb threat to an Israel-bound cruise ship prompted a ​security ‌operation at the Greek island ‌port of Syros on Tuesday after an unknown person claimed ‌an explosive device had been attached to its hull, Greek authorities said.

The Panama-flagged Crown Iris was due to ⁠sail to Haifa carrying 940 ‌passengers and 597 ⁠crew members when the threat was ​received.

Coast guard personnel assisted by an explosives detection dog and ​a private diver searched the ​vessel, ‌while a special coast guard unit ​was deployed to the ⁠scene.

Initial checks found no ‌explosive device. ​Coast guard specialists ​are expected to arrive at 9.30 p.m. (1930 GMT) to carry out further inspections before the ship ‌can resume its voyage.

At least seven flights in Europe received bomb ‌threats ​on Tuesday, causing disruption at airports although no devices were discovered.

(Reporting by Renee Maltezou; Writing by Antonis ‌Pothitos; Editing by Alexandra Hudson)