The Greek Ministry of Mercantile Marine
Maritime Accidents will always happen. The Norman Atlantic, a roro car ferry with nearly 420 passengers, 56 crew members and 222 vehicles, en route to the Italian port of Ancona from Igoumenitsa in Greece, under severe weather conditions in south Adriatic sea, 39 miles northwest the islets of Othoni near Corfu, encountered fire in her car deck/garage at the early hours of this morning. Combined sea and air rescue operations by the Hellenic, Italian and Albanian authorities are under way. Many vessels in the area are also taking part despite the difficulties they encounter. One greek confirmed lost.
We will update you as soon as we have the full report and cause of the fire. The Greek Minister of Mercantile Marine Miltiades Varvitsiotis says a full investigation is under way and a full report is expected soonest.
We all hope that despite these adverse weather conditions, as well as the state on board, the operation will be a successful one.
