After the ferry caught on fire, hundreds of passengers were saved from the vessel that was traveling between Igoumenitsa (the largest port in western Greece) and Brindisi, Italy.
According to the Coast Guard, there were 239 passengers onboard and 51 crew aboard the Euroferry Olympia at the time of the fire. The majority of passengers were transferred to a rescue boat that took them to Corfu.
It involved three Italian financial-police boats as well as at least three Coastguard vessels.
It was unclear at this time what caused the fire.
Social media footage shows that the 600-foot-long, 183-meter-long Italian-flagged ferry was engulfed by flames. A Mayday distress signal was being broadcast through speakers, as smoke rose up from the vessel.
On the RO/PAX line IgoumenitsaBrindisi, which was on board ship Euroferry Olympia near Corfu (which had sailed under italic flag), a night-time fire broke out. 237 PAX & 51 CREW saved by 5 ships by Greek Coast Guard. Currently, there are no reported casulties. pic.twitter.com/CT2MJNJ3JF
— SilverPhytoPatho (@PathoPhyto) February 18, 2022
The Athens News Agency reports that one person, who had been suffering from breathing difficulties, was admitted to hospital. There are no immediate reports of any deaths or serious injuries.
Paul Kyprianou of Grimaldi Lines stated to Reuters that they were investigating the cause.
“Damage is severe because despite the efforts the crew was unable to extinguish the fire,”He said.
Passengers praised the crew for waking them and getting them out of harm’s way.
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