TROUBLED ACHILLE LAURO BURNS OFF SOMALIA

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Nearly 1,000 passengers and crew members fled in lifeboats and at least one passenger died as the infamous passenger ship Achille Lauro's tragic story closed today. The ship drew world attention in 1985 when it was captured by Palestinian hijackers who ultimately killed a wheelchair-bound New York man by throwing him overboard. The 23,478 ton ship -- owned by a Genoa-based Starlauro -- burned and seemed likely to sink 130 miles south of the Horn of Africa as passengers and crew boarded merchant ships on the scene for the rescue.Post your opinion on theInternationalbulletin board.