Stormy Seas n Wind Four Died On Burning Ferry

Four bodies have been recovered from a burning ferry off the coast of Corfu, Greek authorities have said.

A Greek passenger was already known to have died after falling into the water during the rescue operation, which is being carried out amid stormy seas and winds of up to 46mph. 

Some 391 people have already been rescued from the Norman Atlantic car ferry, leaving 82 on board.

Among those saved by Italian and Greek rescuers are four Britons, including show-jumper Nick Channing-Williams, who has been taken to an Italian hospital for a check-up along with his fiancee Regina Theofilli.

The 422 passengers and 56 crew members were forced to spend hours being lashed by driving rain, hail and high winds as they huddled on the top deck while trying to avoid the flames and smoke coming from one of the car decks.

Italy has opened a criminal investigation into the disaster. It will focus on how the fire started and how it was able to spread.

The Italian owner of the ferry has reportedly said the boat was in full working order and had passed technical tests - including on its fire doors - as recently as December 19.

A cargo ship carrying 49 of those rescued has arrived in the Italian port of Bari.

The ship, The Spirit Of Piraeus, had previously tried to dock in Brindisi but was forced back by rough seas

Some of those disembarking in Bari had to be given assistance as they made their way down a gangway.

Rescued passengers described scenes of chaos as the fire broke out on the ferry as people slept in their cabins.

A Turkish man, who gave his name only as Demir, said: "The only thing they said was 'Fire! Fire! Fire!', and we didn't know why there was a fire.

"Yes, there was a fire but there was not enough time, and there was little we could do. In five minutes the whole ship was on fire."

Overnight helicopters completed 34 rescue sorties in winds of up to 46mph.