At least five people were killed and another four injured in a fire on a tanker ship undergoing repairs at a dockyard near Athens.

The Merchant Marine Ministry says rescue crews are still searching the Panamanian-flagged Friendship Gas tanker in case more people are trapped inside.

The fire is believed to have started from a welding accident, the ministry said and added that two people have been arrested on suspicion of not maintaining safety standards.

Firefighters battled for over four hours to keep the flames from spreading to a neighbouring vessel, the local fire department reported.

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