In full swing in adverse weather conditions is the evacuation of the Italian passenger ferry Norman Atlantic, after fire broke out in a garage at 4 a.m, while sailing 32 nautical miles northwest of Otto.

The ship that had started from the port of Patras, Greece with destination Ancona, Italy aboard a total of 478 people, of whom 268 are Greek, passengers and crew members. However, according to information by the Norman Atlantic also traveled Turks, Ukrainians, Italians and Asians. In the garage were 222 cars.

In a statement, spokesman of the headquarters of the Coast Guard, Mr. Nick Lagkadianos 150 people have already moved into lifeboat in order to change to a sail boat. However, because of the weather only 42 were able to board the ship Spirit of Piraeus and The rest remain at sea. Alongside Mr. Lagkadianos added that the vessel Cruise Europa has already successfully launching lifeboat for transit passengers.

As did also known Mr. Lagkadianos, "the flaming passenger ferry Norman atlantic, located in marine research and rescue area of responsibility of the Italian coastguard and therefore the management of the event has now passed to the appropriate search and rescue center of Rome, while from single research coordination center and rescue the detained ships remain for assistance in collaboration with the Italian Coast Guard. "

Speaking to reporters Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis Shipping talked about one of the most dangerous and complex search and rescue operations have been made to date noting that the area blowing winds 10 Beaufort, with a wind speed of 50 miles, with heavy rain and hail which greatly complicate business by air.

Norman Atlantic has total of eight boats, and have launched two tugs from Pylos and Corfu, two fire boats from Igoumenitsa and Corfu and a tug from Italy. The area is also a C-130 aircraft and five helicopters are ready to Corfu and Aktion, to assist if required.

According to the representative of the port a super puma helicopter has taken off and trying to reach the endangered ship if weather conditions permit.

Prime Minister Antonis Samaras is in touch with his Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi, said government spokesman, Sophia Vooltepsis in Skai, reported the rescue operation of the passenger ship.

According to executive charterer company board the situation is under control, despite the bad weather, and has given priority to women and children. Information also said that many buoys have been destroyed by the flames.