Turkish national missing after fire erupts on ferry heading from Greece to Italy

By Ayhan Mehmet

CORFU, Greece (AA) - A Turkish national is missing after a fire broke out on a ferry from Greece to Italy early Friday.

"We are in contact with the Greek Coast Guard, the hospital, and the Greek Police to determine his fate. I hope he is well," said Turkey's Consul General in Athens, Mustafa Somuncu.

Temporary passports will be issued to nationals whose passports are missing and all citizens will be transferred to Istanbul, Somuncu added.

The Italian-flagged Euroferry Olympia set off from Greece’s western port of Igoumenitsa, heading to the Italian port of Brindisi, a journey of about nine hours.

The fire, the cause of which is yet to be ascertained, erupted near the island of Corfu in the Ionian Sea.

The identification of 278 people was made and transported to Corfu Island. At least 11 people, including three Greek citizens, were recorded as missing, according to the latest information from the coast guard.

Several coast guard vessels and firefighting boats are currently engaged in the rescue operation.