Italian ro-ro passenger ferry NORMAN ATLANTIC caught fire in the morning Dec 28 in Adriatic sea roughly between Otranto Italy and Vlore Albania (last AIS dated approximately 0700 UTC, vessel most probably, is drifting), 33 miles north of island Othonoi, en route from Greece port Patras to Italina port Ancona, with 466 passengers and 55 crew on board. Master ordered evacuation, according to latest reports dated 0700 UTC Dec 28 some 150 people rescued, operation hampered by rough weather. It is understood, that all available facilities are engaged in rescue operation, from vessels nearby to Greek and Italian rescue services, Coast Guard and Navy, including helicopters. Fire is said to start on cargo deck in truck or trucks, some 200 vehicles are reported to be on board.
