Posted on 02/18/2022 7:28:56 AM PST by BenLurkin
Greek rescue forces are desperately trying to save two people trapped onboard a stricken ferry amid fears that 14 passengers were missing nearly eight hours after the ship burst into flames.
A Super Puma helicopter had attempted several times to approach the Euroferry Olympia, an Italian liner en route to Brindisi, when the fire broke out at around 4am.
Four lifeboats carrying an estimated 279 people had meanwhile headed for the Ionian island of Corfu, where authorities were hoping to match arrivals with the passenger list assembled by crew.
By midday, Hellenic navy ships, and at least three coastguard vessels, were participating in the rescue operation.
The 183-metre Grimaldi Lines ferry had set sail from Greece’s western port of Igoumenitsa with 239 passengers, and 51 crew, onboard. Most of the passengers were believed to be Italian. The Greek shipping ministry said 25 vehicles and 153 trucks were also registered on the vessel.
The fire, whose cause remains unknown, broke out about two hours after the ship left port, 10 miles north of Corfu, with residents on the island reportedly hearing explosions before large plumes of smoke were seen engulfing the vessel.
Paul Kyprianou, spokesman with Grimaldi Lines, said there were indications the fire started in the ship’s hold.
In a statement, the company said the blaze had erupted at 4.12am on a third-level car deck.
An Italian finance police boat, which happened to be in the area, was credited with playing a seminal role in the rescue operation...
(Excerpt) Read more at theguardian.com ...
Would not want to be on a ferry transporting EVs.
Dear Lord Jesus, please bring the fourteen out of the fire just like You brought Shadrach, Meschach and Abed-Nego out of the fiery furnace. AMEN!
That was my first thought as well. What could cause a spontaneous combustion and fire that could not be brought under control? An EV is a possible cause.
A flaming ferry, you say?
Vehicles laden with fuel in a ship's hold require very specific and meticulous procedures to prevent accidents.
Made me laugh.
Well I guess this answers my question:
“Captain Joao Mendes Cabeças of the port of Hortas told Reuters that special equipment is needed to extinguish the blaze as lithium-ion car batteries in electric cars on board have caught fire. It is unclear whether the batteries caused the fire or if they were lit ablaze after something else caught fire, Cabeças said. It will either be towed to the Bahamas or a European country.”
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