Ferry fire put out, passengers safely evacuated

Some 538 passengers and 79 crew were safely evacuated after a fire broke out on the Olympic Champion passenger ferry on Saturday morning in the northwestern port of Igoumenitsa.

The coast guard said the fire broke out in the ferry's vehicle hold and was put out by the crew. Two passengers were hospitalized, the coast guard said, without providing details.

There was no report of any damages to the 293 vehicles on board.

The 32,640 ton ship, which can hold over 1,800 passengers, had sailed from the Greek port of Patra and was heading for Venice in Italy, authorities said.