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Greek ferry fire: Evacuation hampered by winds Greek ferry fire: Evacuation hampered by winds
(about 3 hours later)
A major rescue operation is underway for a Greek ferry carrying more than 460 people which caught fire around 40 nautical miles north-west of Corfu. Ships and helicopters are taking part in a major rescue operation after a Greek ferry carrying 478 people caught fire around 40 nautical miles north-west of Corfu.
The Norman Atlantic was travelling from the Greek port of Patras to the Italian city of Ancona. The Norman Atlantic was travelling from Patras in Greece to Ancona in Italy.
Nearby ships have been called in to rescue the passengers and crew but strong winds are hampering the operation, Greek authorities say. Choppy seas and strong winds are hampering the rescue. Early reports that it was tilting have been denied.
There are no immediate reports of casualties. There are no reports of casualties. Some 111 people have been rescued, the Italian Navy says.
Italian media say the fire broke out on the ferry's car deck early on Sunday morning.Italian media say the fire broke out on the ferry's car deck early on Sunday morning.
Around 35 passengers were transferred to a nearby Greek ferry by lifeboat, Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said.Around 35 passengers were transferred to a nearby Greek ferry by lifeboat, Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said.
"This is a complicated rescue mission ... The visibility is poor and the weather conditions are difficult, but we are confident because there are a good number of ships in the area" he said. "This is a complicated rescue mission... The visibility is poor and the weather conditions are difficult, but we are confident because there are a good number of ships in the area," he said.
Italian and Albanian teams are also taking part in the rescue operation.Italian and Albanian teams are also taking part in the rescue operation.
One of the passengers told Greek TV station Mega: "Our shoes started being submerged as we were in the reception area. We are burning and sinking with no-one able to rescue us. Please help us, do not leave us alone."
Ferries are an important mode of transport between Greece's hundreds of islands as well as neighbouring countries.Ferries are an important mode of transport between Greece's hundreds of islands as well as neighbouring countries.