Greek authorities say ten Syrian seamen are missing after two cargo ships collided off southern Greece and one of them sank, Associated Press reported.

A Merchant Marine Ministry statement says the accident occurred before 7 am Monday, April 29 some 78 miles (125 kilometers) southwest of the southern Peloponnese peninsula.

It was not immediately clear what caused the collision between the Antigua-flagged Consouth and the Cook Islands-flagged Piri Reis. The Piri Reis, which was carrying a cargo of fertilizer, sank, and seven of its crew of 17 Syrian seamen were saved.

The Consouth, which was sailing without freight from Turkey to Malta had 16 Russian, Filippino and Polish seamen on board, all who were unhurt.

An air and sea search was under way for survivors.