IN BRIEF: 54 feared dead as ships sink

Constanta - Fifty four seamen were missing and feared drowned after two ships sank in a storm at the mouth of Romania's biggest harbour. It was the country's worst maritime accident in living memory.

Rescue authorities said four bodies were discovered several miles down the Black Sea coast from the port of Constanta. Lifejackets were seen floating or washed ashore. Two bulk carriers, the Maltese-flagged Paris and the Hong Kong-registered You Xiu lostpower in heavy seas and a blizzard and hit the Constanta breakwater. Both sank almost immediately, port officials said. Reuter