ATHENS - A Greek ferry with 53 persons on board has run adrift in the Pagasetic Gulf off the coasts of central Greece on Friday due to engine failure, Greek national news agency AMNA reported.

"Myrtidiotissa" with 21 passengers and 32 crew members had sailed from the port of Aghios Constantinos for the islands of Skiathos, Skopelos and Alonissos which have been hit hard by the cold front which has swept the country over the past week.

Three coast guard vessels and two tug boats were rushing to the area, according to the Coast Guard, while the weather conditions were good with winds blowing at 3 on the Beaufort scale.