Concern for the 11 missing passengers and 2 trapped on Euroferry Olympia

Thick smoke from the fire that broke out early this morning is making the rescue operation for the two trapped persons on the Euroferry Olympia extremely difficult. An operation is also underway to find the missing persons.

According to an official announcement from the Maritime Ministry, the Coastguard conducted a complete head count and it was found that 278 people have been rescued, including one person who was not on the official passenger list.

Efforts are continuing to free two foreign nationals who are trapped on board the ship and to find the 11 passengers who are unaccounted for - including three Greek nationals, according to the latest information.

Efforts are also continuing to extinguish the fire with three tugs with firefighting equipment and an open ferry boat with two fire engines. Another firefighting vessel is expected as well as another tug with better firefighting equipment.

A team from the Coastguard Underwater Mission Unit is at the scene and the shipowners are taking measures to prevent any sea pollution.

The Ministry will immediately announce any further developments.