The rescue operation of the passengers of the Italian-flagged ferry, Euroferry Olympia, is underway, which – while sailing from Igoumenitsa (Greece) to Brindisi (Italy) – caught fire northeast of the island of Corfu.
There were 237 passengers and 51 crew member on board.
An evacuation order was given, immediately, and the assistance of the Coast Guard was requested. Four Coast Guard patrol boats, a lifeguard, an Italian Coast Guard vessel, two vessels in the vicinity, two private boats and five helicopters are operating in the area.
According to information, all passengers and crew have boarded on rescue boats and will be transported to other ferries.
The ferry is engulfed in flames, while as ERT channel reported, there is a slightly injured person who is being transported to Corfu, so that they can be taken to the hospital.
Large rescue operation
The Greek Shipping Deputy Minister of Shipping, Mr. Kostas Katsafados pointed out to ERT channel that, among others, a helicopter and a ship from Italy are participating in the rescue operation.
When asked if the ferry had been evacuated, he noted that the passengers were being counted to confirm that everyone had disembarked. In all probability, as he said, they will be transferred to Corfu.
Our first priority, he said, is the safety of passengers.
“According to the captain, the evacuation of the ferry by passengers and crew has been completed,” he said, speaking to ANT1 channel.
“All passengers will be transported to Corfu by ferries rushing from the island to the spot,” the Regional Governor of the Ionian Islands, Ms. Rodi Kratsa told to SKAI radio.
According to state television, on the ferry there were mostly professionals and their trucks. There were reportedly at least 160 trucks.
The causes of the fire remain unclear, while according to the same source, similar incidents with the aforemontioned ferry had been recorded in the past.
στο Google News και μάθετε πρώτοι όλες τις ειδήσειςLatest News
Tender for Repairs on Athens Olympic Stadium’s (OAKA) Iconic Roof
Tender for OAKA project, which is expected to exceed 78 million euros, stipulates that repairs, maintenance must be conducted while venue remains open for events
Louis-Dreyfus Family Eyes 21% Stake in Thessaloniki Port
The newly created Amsterdam-based LeonidsPort company has submitted a voluntary public offer for 21%
EUIPO Throws Out Turkaegean Trademark
The trademark had been filed by the Türkiye Tourism Promotion and Development Agency (TGA) in 2021 and immediately generated heated opposition by Athens
Economic Sentiment Indicator in Greece Drops Slightly in Dec.
The data revealed that the primary drivers of the slight drop were the industrial and retail trade sectors. Conversely, construction and consumer confidence improved.
Greece’s Trade Deficit Surges by 18.7% in Nov. 2024
For the first 11 months of 2024, the total value of imports reached 77.3793 billion euros, a 1.9% rise compared to 75.9482 billion euros in the same period of 2023.
Installing EV Chargers in Your Building is Harder than You Think
So, you just bought an EV in Greece and can’t wait to set up a charger in your apartment building’s parking space? Not so fast—there are a few hurdles you’ll need to clear first.
Greece Announces Grants to Unemployed for New SMEs
Unemployed individuals seeking 12-month grants to fund the creation of new SMEs can apply online until January 21.
Port of Piraeus Reports Record-breaking Year for Cruise Sector
First cruise ship of the season, Viking Saturn, greeted at Greece's largest, busiest port
Greek Energy Minister Skylakakis Announces Subsidies to Mitigate Electricity Prices
“When prices exceed a certain threshold, we intervene,” said Skylakakis
Mitsotakis: Greece is a Beacon of Stability in an Unstable World
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis described Greece as a "beacon of stability in an unstable world" following the Epiphany water blessing ceremony at Dexameni Square in Athens.
