
A rescue operation is under way in high winds in Greek waters for an Italian ferry carrying 466 people that has caught fire, Greek officials said early Sunday.
Vessels close to the stricken "Norman Atlantic", located 33 nautical miles off the small Greek island of Othonoi, were rushing to give assistance after picking up its distress signal, the Greek coast guard said.
Around 55 passengers have been transferred to one ship, while 150 others were in a life boat.
The fire was said to have broken out in the ferry's parking bay, holding some 200 vehicles.
Greek Defence Minister Nikos Dendias told the channel that Italian authorities had responded to Greece's plea for assistance and had now taken charge of the rescue operation.
"Our shoes were melting while we were in the reception area," one passenger told Greek television network Mega.
The "Norman Atlantic" had left the Greek port of Patras at 05:30am (0330 GMT) and was heading to the Italian port of Ancona when the fire took hold.
The evacuation of the ferry was occurring in difficult conditions, with passengers saying gale-force winds were lashing the vessel.
GMT 19:37 2018 Tuesday ,23 January
Video: Bodies of children killed in Fujairah fire laid to restGMT 17:17 2018 Monday ,22 January
2 dead, 5 injured in accident on Emirates Road in DubaiGMT 08:45 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Eleven killed Turkey ski holiday bus crashGMT 00:52 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Youth burns to death as car rams into lamppost in RAKGMT 00:45 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Youth burns to death as car rams into lamppost in RAKGMT 00:44 2018 Sunday ,21 January
Youth burns to death as car rams into lamppost in RAKGMT 18:47 2018 Saturday ,20 January
Israeli forces kill suspect in rabbi's murderGMT 23:00 2018 Thursday ,18 January
Several dead in operation to arrest Venezuela pilot

Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Maintained and developed by Arabs Today Group SAL.
All rights reserved to Arab Today Media Group 2025 ©
Send your comments
Your comment as a visitor