Haunting moment eerie shipwreck of Golden Dawn that sank in explosion disaster leaving 28 dead is found after 40 years

AN EERIE shipwreck of the Golden Dawn ferry that sank after an explosion disaster leaving 28 dead has been found 40 years later. The remains of the ship were discovered off the coast of Greece, more than 360ft below the surface level of the Aegean sea. Planet Blue HistoryThe wreckage of the Golden Dawn ferry has been discovered off the coast of Greece[/caption] ROV Planet BlueThe ship somehow remained intact at the bottom despite the deadly explosion[/caption] ROV Planet BlueThe Japanese-built cruiser has been consumed by barnacles and small fish[/caption] Planet Blue HistoryEerie images show the vessel has decayed after four decades on the seabed[/caption] The disappearance of the hellenic cruiser has long been mulled over by wreck researcher, Kostas Thoktaridis, who spearheaded the expedition with his team of experts. The crew used a special underwater remotely operated vehicle to pin point its exact location. Footage obtained by The Sun Online showed the eerie shipwreck sitting on the seafloor, dead in motion. An abundance of sea life was seen totally consuming its frame with barnacles and small fish calling it home. A stark comparison to its glory days when it used to make hundreds of trips to the Cyclades. Thoktaridis told Athens-Macedonian News: “The initial images of the wreck are quite awe-inspiring due to the fact that despite the fire and explosions only a part of the structure came away and the rest of the ship remained intact on the seabed.” According to local media, the Golden Dawn disaster happened just outside the Cape of Kafireas on February 23, 1983. The area has a dark reputation for its treacherous currents, underwater cliffs and swirling whirlpools. The Japanese-built ferry operated by Epirus Lines, reportedly left Rafina and headed for the islands of Andros, Paros and Naxos. It was carrying nine heavy tankers with bunker fuel and four large trucks. A possible tanker leak in its garage then led to a series of fires, it was reported. Eventually, a massive explosion followed and the ship capsized. ROV Planet BlueIncredible images show how different parts of the ferry have fared underwater[/caption] This spooky snap showed how one of the funnels had been completely covered by sealifeROV Planet Blue The ship subsequently sank and tragically took 28 people down with it. Yakov Gakkel, a Russian oceanographer, was nearby when the ship caught a light and was able to save 12 passengers. Other ships and army helicopters were also sent, who were able to rescue two more people. It was last seen on that fateful day in 1983 until this week. The amazing discovery, however, has brought back terrible memories for those whose loved ones were on board. Katerina Tsoumezi, wife of the captain, said: “The finding of the sunken Golden Dawn is important. “But our people who were lost with it will never come back.” ROV Planet BlueThe wreck was found more than 360ft below the surface level of the Aegean sea[/caption] ROV Planet BlueThe Golden Dawn sunk on February 23, 1983, as she sailed to the Cyclades[/caption] ROV Planet BlueA special underwater remotely operated vehicle was used to pin point its exact location[/caption] Planet Blue HistoryThe recent discovery has provided some closure for the families of the 28 victims[/caption]