500 people on board caught fire off the Greek island of Corfu
At least one person has been killed and hundreds more remain trappedafter an Italian ferry with almost 500 people on board caught fire off the Greek island of Corfu, the Italian Navy has confirmed.
TheNorman Atlantic, carrying 222 vehicles, 411 passengers and 55 crew, was 44 nautical miles northwest of the island of Corfu when it sent a distress signal after a fire started in the lower deck, Greek coast guard officials said on Sunday.
About 160 people have been rescued so far, while Italian and Greek helicopter crews prepared to work through the night to airlift passengers in pairs off a burning ferry adrift in the Adriatic Sea.
The evacuation was being carried out in difficult conditions, with rescued passengers saying gale-force winds were lashing the vessel.
Read what international media report for the accident at articles below:
BBC News – Italian ferry fire: evacuation hampered by winds
Reuters – Hundereds still awaiting airlift on stricken Italian ferry
Business Insider – Hundreds are trapped on a burning ferry near Greece
The Guardian – Passenger ferry catches fire off Italian Coast