Ferry with 500 on fire off Greece; Major rescue underway to save 100s
Monday, 29 December 2014 00:21
-
- {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Reuters: A flotilla of ships near a burning car ferry off Greece on Sunday (28 December) battled storm conditions in open water to try to reach its hundreds of passengers.
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.
Cold winter temperatures would make survival in the sea difficult unless rescue came quickly.
