-
.
- Ελληνικά
Good news has emerged from the Euroferry Olympia, burning since the early hours of Friday near Corfu, as according to information reported by SKAI, one of the 12 missing persons was found alive at the stern of the ship.
At the same time, the ship is approaching the port of Kassiopi, with the towing process underway.
The task of rescue specialists remains difficult for the remaining missing persons, as extremely high temperatures of over 500 degrees Celsius prevail on the burning ship.
The Euroferry Olympia has tilted, according to the latest reports, making it even more difficult to tow it to a safe anchorage. Although there is concern about the risk of the ship sinking, its tilt is considered to be under control.
In addition to the tugs, 3 Coast Guard and Coast Guard patrol boats and 1 floating fire-fighting boat are also operating.
In addition to the 5th EMAK, a special rescue team, consisting of 14 people, is participating in the search for the missing persons.[/B]
In addition to the 5th EMAK, a special rescue team, consisting of 14 people, is participating in the search for the missing persons.[/B] These are experienced lifeguards from MEGATUGS and SMIT Salvage, who rushed to the area to conduct the search operation in the best and safest way possible.
The full extinguishing operation is expected to last for days, and before the ship approaches the port of Cassiopeia - and after the temperature of the red-hot metals has decreased - an attempt will be made to pump out the oil products to prevent any spillage and contamination of the marine environment. At the time of the fire, it is estimated that the Euroferry Olympia had about 700 tonnes of fuel in its tanks. It is understood that if the fire is not extinguished, it will be impossible to pump out the fuel using the special means available for this purpose. However, the vessels around the Euroferry Olympia are equipped with anti-fouling equipment.
What the last inspection of the ship had shown
Following complaints about miserable conditions on board and people sleeping in the vehicles, a special investigator who spoke to SKY explains that on each truck there are two drivers and the ticket is for one: so the second one normally stays in the vehicle.
At the same time, crucially, when a ship arrives at a port, the fire detection system is turned off and then they either forget to turn it on or don't turn it on because there are drivers in the garages who may smoke during the journey.
In any case, a "ray of optimism" is given by the expert's assessment that the missing persons can be found alive if they are in underground garages, there is ventilation and good insulation to prevent smoke from the fire.
An important element in the investigation of the case are the findings of the last inspection carried out on the ship on 16 February as it appears that its fire safety manuals were inadequate.
At the same time, there were deficiencies in cleanliness and sanitary conditions in the recreation, catering and dining facilities
Finally, ventilation was not functioning in the work areas, in accordance with protocols.
It is noted that the ship's company Grimaldi Lines said that according to what they know, the fire started from a truck in the third store and they point out that the ship was able to accommodate more than twice as many people as the passengers it was carrying.
At the same time, they claim that there was no one in the garage as it is the company's policy to carry out strict controls.
Source: newsbeast.gr
Contents of this article including associated images are belongs Cyprus Times
Views & opinions expressed are those of the author and/or Cyprus Times
Source
