The MS Sea Diamond, a cruise ship operated by Louis Cruises, struck a submerged volcanic reef near Nea Kameni, part of the Santorini caldera, while on a voyage in the Aegean Sea. The incident occurred late in the evening, leading to the ship taking on water rapidly. Onboard were more than 1,500 passengers and crew members. Following the collision, the crew initiated emergency procedures and began evacuating passengers. Fortunately, the majority of individuals onboard were rescued by nearby vessels, aided by the prompt response of the Greek Coast Guard. However, the chaos of the evacuation process led to the unfortunate disappearance of two passengers, who were later presumed dead after extensive search efforts yielded no results.

The next day, the ship sank approximately 150 feet from the volcanic Isle of Nea Kameni. Investigations into the accident revealed potential shortcomings in navigational assessments and safety protocols. The Maritime Authorities of Greece launched inquiries to ascertain the exact circumstances that led to the incident, scrutinizing both the ship's operational history and the workings of various safety systems on board. The aftermath prompted critics to call for stricter maritime regulations and better training for crew members in emergency situations, particularly in areas with treacherous underwater topography.