Italy Ferry Fire Victims Awaiting Rescue

Rescue operations are continuing despite massive waves and strong winds that are being experienced.

Around 200 people have already been airlifted to safety.

In total, there were 478 people on board.

However, officials said that one person died after jumping from the ship while another was injured.

The blaze on board reportedly started on the ferry's car deck before spreading.

Most of the passengers repotedly panicked as the heat rose then freezing as they stood on decks awaiting rescue.

One of the passengers told media that their shoes started being submerged as they were in the reception area.

Merchant Marine Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis said that they were handling a complicated rescue mission.

‘‘The visibility is poor and the weather conditions are difficult but we are confident because there are a good number of ships in the area," he said.

The Norman Atlantic was travelling from Patras in Greece to Ancona in Italy.

The rescue mission is still underway.

By Rehema Juma

Source: BBC