Gale-force winds and rough seas were hampering an effort to evacuate nearly 478 passengers and crew from Norman Atlantic ferry that caught fire off the Greek island of Corfu early this morning.
Ships and helicopters were trying to get everyone off of the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic as the vessel burned and began listing dangerously in a sign it was taking on water. The Greek coast guard reports that one person has died. At least 161 people are reported to be safely aboard rescue boats, leaving hundreds still on the ship.
Greek, Italian and Albanian rescuers were reportedly taking part in the operation taking place about 45 miles from Corfu in the Strait of Otranto that separates Italy and Albania and the Adriatic and Ionian seas.
