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http://www.bbc.co.uk/russian/international/2014/12/141228_greece_rescue_operation_ferry

Greece afraid of blast on board burning ferry Norman Atlantic

World

 December 28, 16:05 UTC+3
Control over the rescue operation was passed to Italy, because the ferry losing a steering control had already drifted into Italian territorial waters

ATHENS, December 28. /TASS/. Greek authorities are afraid of a possible explosion on board ferry Norman Atlantic burning in the Adriatic Sea, Russian Honorary Consul on Corfu and other Ionian Islands Nikos Kanoulas told TASS on Sunday.

“The fire is very serious, the blaze is spreading from lower decks where cars are parked,” Kanoulas said, noting that “there are many trucks, including three with technical oil, parked there along with cars.

“There are large amounts of fuels and lubricants there in general. Greek rescuers are afraid of a likely blast.” “As officers of a local naval base in Kerkyra said to me, the fire is very strong, as the metal is melting,” the consul added.

According to preliminary reports, there are no Russians on board the ferry, Kanoulas said. “It is clear that ferry passengers are mainly Greeks, Italians and Frenchmen,” the consul added, noting that “All information is coming to the port service and a local naval base in Kerkyra which are keeping in touch with the ferry and help coordinating efforts taken by rescuers.

“The port chief and the naval base commander said to me that there were no Russians on preliminary lists. Ukrainians were also not named to me.”

Control over the rescue operation was passed to Italy, because the ferry losing a steering control had already drifted into Italian territorial waters.

Source:  http://itar-tass.com/en/world/769649