At least one person died after a fire erupted on a ferry with 467 people on board off the coast of Greece, the country’s Merchant Marine Ministry said Sunday, citing Italian authorities. The victim was a male passenger, the ministry said.
A joint Italian-Greek rescue operation was underway Sunday for those on board the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic, which was on fire in the Adriatic Sea, the ministry told CNN.
Thick clouds of smoke enveloped the vessel as rescuers awaited an opportunity to approach. At least eight ships were deployed, but heavy winds and freezing waters initially hindered their efforts.
After winds and waves subsided, about 150 people, including children, were transferred to rescue boats and moved to nearby ships. At least eight of the rescued passengers were taken to Italy by helicopter, officials told CNN.
The vehicle-passenger ferry was transporting 411 passengers, 56 crew-members and 222 vehicles. The fire is believed to have started in the garage area.
The ferry had departed Igoumenitsa, Greece, on Sunday morning and was headed to Ancona, Italy.