Italian Vessel Takes in Tow Burning Ferry Norman Atlantic

It took several hours to tow the Norman Atlantic ferry, which caught fire on Sunday morning, as the operation was complicated by bad weather conditions and strong winds.

ROME, December 28 (Sputnik) — Italian vessel Marietta Barretta managed to take burning passenger ferry Norman Atlantic in tow and rescuers hope that the ferry will soon be transported to the harbor, the Italian La Stampa newspaper reported Sunday.

It took several hours to tow the vessel, as the operation was complicated by bad weather conditions and strong winds, according to the newspaper.

A fire erupted in the ferry's cargo section Sunday morning as it was sailing from Greece to Italy, carrying some 470 passengers. Within a few hours, the ship's systems failed and the vessel started drifting toward the Albanian coast. According to local media, Norman Atlantic is currently located 39 miles away from the Italian city of Otranto.

Greek, Italian & Albanian authorities for #NormanAtlantic rescue, strong winds, heavy seas & cold temperatures. pic.twitter.com/vdGP1r9R7R

— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) 28 декабря 2014

The Italian Navy has informed that 317 people remain on the blazing ferry, while 161 have been rescued. One person has died and several have sustained injuries in the accident. The rescue operation is set to continue throughout the night.

The vessel’s passengers included 234 Greeks, 54 Turkish, 22 citizens of Albania and the same number of Italians, as well as German, Swiss, French, Austrian, Bulgarian and other nationals.