Ferry to Italy evacuated after fire
A fire broke out on the car deck of a ferry carrying 466 people from Greece to Italy, forcing authorities to order an evacuation.
Nearby ships have been instructed to take passengers and crew members from the ferry Norman Atlantic, west of the island of Corfu, said Greek merchant marine minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis.
There have been no reports of injuries. The ship was travelling from the Greek port of Patras to Ancona, Italy.
Mr Varvitiotis said 35 passengers had been transported in a lifeboat to a nearby Greek ferry so far, adding that the rescue effort had been hampered by gale-force winds.
“This is a complicated rescue mission ... The visibility is poor and the weather conditions are difficult, but we are confident because there are a good number of ships in the area,” Mr Varvitsiotis said.
``We are in constant contact with Italian authorities and the Greek armed forces. We are committed to rescuing everyone on the ship, and are trying to ensure that nobody will be left unaided.''
Greek authorities said they had sent five helicopters and a military transport plane to the area to assist in the operation, with the ship reported to be 48 miles north west of Corfu. Italy was also involved in the rescue effort.
At least seven merchant ships were next to the Norman Atlantic as part of the rescue effort, and being used to form a barrier against the high winds.
