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The operation to remove marine fuel from a cruise ship that sank near the Greek island of Santorini in April 2007 began on Saturday, according to the merchant navy ministry.

Approximately 113 tonnes of bunker fuel are due to be pumped from the Sea Diamond, a cruise ship which sank to a depth of around 140 metres with much of its fuel still on board, raising fears of lasting pollution.

According local television reports, three remote controlled robotic submarines will form part of the fuel removal operation. Limassol-based ship owner Louis Hellenic Cruises is expected to pay around 4.4 million euros for the work, which is scheduled to last over three weeks.

The Sea Diamond sank near the Aegean island of Santorini after hitting a reef. Some 1,600 passengers and the crew were evacuated safely, but two French passengers are missing, presumed dead.

After the incident, the government said that at least two-thirds of the 400 tonnes of fuel onboard had been pumped from the ship, thus eliminating any major pollution risks.

The ship's owner paid for a surface clean-up operation but is said to have refused to raise the ship, fearing that it would lead to the remaining fuel spilling into the sea.

Merchant navy minister Anastasis Papaliguras arrived on Saturday in Santorini to inspect the work that was being carried out, local sources said.