FERRY WITH 400 PASSENGERS ON BOARD, GUT BY FIRE

A car ferry named The Norman Atlantic which was travelling from Patras in Greece to Ancona in Italy is reported to have been gut by fire.According to reports, More than 400 passengers were on the ferry. At least 150 have been rescued, but heavy winds are hindering rescue efforts. The fire broke out in the lower deck garage of the vessel, Italian officials have said, at around 4.30am local time (2.30am GMT). It was unclear whether there had been casualties or if any passengers were in the water, though officials said wintry water temperatures would make survival in the sea difficult unless rescue came quickly. more details later