Fire on board a Spanish ferry in the Mediterranean has forced more than 150 passengers and crew to abandon ship. Despite the flames and smoke
Fire on board a Spanish ferry in the Mediterranean has forced more than 150 passengers and crew to abandon ship.
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Despite the flames and smoke, clearly visible from far away, all passengers and crew are safe: mostly evacuated onto lifeboats, they were then picked up by a passing ship.
The Spanish coastguard sent vessels and a helicopter to the scene.
Four crew members suffering from smoke inhalation were winched to safety.
Other passenger ships were asked to assist with the rescue effort.
The Sorrento had left Mallorca heading for Valencia when the fire broke out on one of the car decks. It’s not known what caused it.
At first the captain thought it unnecessary to abandon ship until it became clear the crew couldn’t control the fire.
The passengers were taken back to Palma de Mallorca on board one of the other ferries, the Balearia Puglia.
The Red Cross set up a first aid point and counsellors were on hand.
The Balearic Islands Port Authority said that due to the fire, the Sorrento might sink.