A ferry burning in the Ionian Sea has lost control

The ferry Norman Atlantic, engulfed in flames in the Ionian Sea, lost control and is now being blown to the Albanian coast. According to the Greek TV channel Skai, the spread of fire was stopped.

The Ministry of National Defense sent a significant military force to the scene. Together with the Ministry of Defense, the Ministries of the Navy and Public Order are taking part in the rescue operation. There are 11 helicopters in the emergency area, including two Chinook types, as well as a C-130 helicopter of the Hellenic Air Force. Four special forces groups on two Chinook helicopters are ready to fly to the scene.

Honorary Consul of the Russian Federation on the island of Kerkyra (Corfu) and other Ionian Islands Nikos Kanulas said that there were no Russian citizens on the ferry. As the fire spreads from the lower decks where the car parks are located, the authorities fear a possible explosion.

The fire on the ferry started on the morning of 28 December. According to preliminary data, the fire broke out in the cargo hold. There are 478 people on board the ferry.