A fire broke out while a ferry was cruising near the island of Corfu on its way to Italy from the city of Igoumenitsa, Greek officials said. The 288 people on the ferry were reported to be unharmed. At least 3 coast guard ships participated in the rescue operation launched for the evacuation of passengers, and the passengers were evacuated and taken to Corfu, authorities said.

While the cause of the fire is not yet known, the ferry had been scheduled to arrive at Brindisi port approximately 9 hours after departure.