The special disaster unit (EMAK) of the Greek Fire Brigade is expected in the area SE of Erikoussa island in the Ionian Sea to free two foreign vehicle drivers trapped on board of burning "Euroferry Olympia", it was made known on Friday afternoon.

The two men had notified authorities they were inside the ship, where a fire broke out on one of three levels with vehicles.

The fire broke out on one of the third car deck around midnight as it as it was sailing off Erikoussa, near Corfu, while carrying out the journey from Igoumenitsa to the port of Brindisi in Italy. When the fire started, the ship's captain ordered that the ship be immediately evacuated and 278 individuals passengers and crew were transported with safety to the port of Corfu by Greek and Italian coast guard vessels in the area. One individual with respiratory problems was taken to the island's hospital.

According to Port Authority spokesperson Nikos Lagadianos on Friday afternoon, 11 people remain unaccounted for, including 3 Greeks, whom authorities are searching for. Among those rescued is a passenger whose name was not on official lists.

Dousing the fire are three tugboats with firefighting equipment, and an open-type ferry transporting two firetrucks, Lagadianos said, adding that two more boats are expected. In addition, a submarine operations unit of the Port Authority-Coast Guard is also heading to the site of the burning ship. 

Owner and shipping firm Grimaldi Group said the ship was also carrying 153 trucks and 32 passenger vehicles. It added that no fuel leak has been detected in the sea surrounding the ferry while its stability has not been affected. 
 

See also:

At least 277 'Euroferry Olympia' passengers and crew identified; 11 still missing