ATHENS, Europe Brief News – The Greek coastguard has claimed that they have rescued hundreds of people from a ferry that caught fire between Greece and Italy.
One of the Greek news websites Proto Thema uploaded a video showing a 183-metre long Ferry immersed in flames with an enormous crest of smoke.
The Greek Coastguard suggests that along with 237 passengers, 51 crew members were aboard on the ferry. The fairy was mainly carrying Italian Nationals.
The Authorities have said that the Italian flagged Euro ferry was taking passengers to the Italian port of Brindisi and the incident took place in the middle of the way.
As per various reports, no sign of any death or severe injuries so far. The Authorities have shifted one person to hospital who was suffering from breathing problems.
The Sailing point of the ferry was Igoumenitsa which is the largest port in Western Greece and was heading to its destination Brindisi.
One of the Passengers said “ We were woken up around 4:20 am within an hour we had left the ship. We were saved by the crew which acted fast”.
According to the Company’s Website the ferry was part of fleet group Grimaldi line and can facilitate upto 560 passengers.
Grimaldi Spokesperson said “The cause of the fire is still under investigation but there were indications it started from the ship’s hold”.
He further added that the Damage is dreadful because despite all the efforts of the crew, they were unable to extinguish the fire.
Greece Coast Guard On Mission
The Greece Coast Guard Authorities have highlighted that at least three coast guard vessels and an Italian financial police vessel are on duty to take care of the rescue operation.
The Authorities are doing everything in their hand to save as many people as possible to reduce the chances of any death or major injury.
Refinitiv Eikon collected the ship tracking data which suggests that Euroferry Olympia was taking a U-turn to Northwest of North Corfu Channel.
In 2014, a similar incident took place where almost 10 people lost their lives when a car ferry which was carrying as many as 466 passengers and crew caught fire in the middle of their way from Greece to Italy.
