Hundreds trapped as ferry burns in heavy seas off Greece
Last edited Sun Dec 28, 2014, 09:04 AM - Edit history (1)
Source: Reuters
Hundreds of passengers were trapped on a burning car ferry off Greece on Sunday, pleading to be rescued by a flotilla of nearby ships that battled storm conditions in open water to try to reach them.
The Greek coastguard said 150 people had been saved from the Italian-registered Norman Atlantic, which was carrying almost 500 passengers and crew when it sent a distress signal after fire broke out on its lower deck.
As high winds and rough seas impeded efforts by other ships to rescue those still on board, it was unclear whether there had been casualties or if any passengers were in the water.
"The ship is still on fire, the floor is burning," passenger George Styliaras told Greek TV by telephone, adding that smoke was making it difficult to breathe. "We don't know how long we can hold on."
Read more: http://www.reuters.com/article/2014/12/28/us-greece-ship-idUSKBN0K603J20141228
Athens (AFP) - A fire on an Italian ferry carrying 466 passengers from Greece has prompted an emergency evacuation in dangerous winds early Sunday, according to Greek authorities, who were asking for help from Italian counterparts.
The rescue operation was under way, with some of the passengers of the stricken Italian-flagged vessel "Norman Atlantic" being transferred to a ship that responded to its distress signal, the Greek coast guard said. Other vessels were heading to the area.
http://www.businessinsider.com/afp-fire-on-italian-ferry-in-bad-weather-off-greece-forces-evacuation-2014-12
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A major rescue operation is under way at a Greek ferry carrying 521 people which caught fire around 40 nautical miles north-west of Corfu.
The Norman Atlantic was travelling from Patras in Greece to Ancona in Italy.
Ships and helicopters are taking part in the operation, but strong winds are hampering the rescue and Italian media say the ferry is tilting dangerously.
There are no reports of casualties. Some 170 people are on rescue boats. Helicopters have airlifted some others.
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-30615721
