Italian tow boats are approaching Italian Media:The flames gain strength and the ship starts to incline So far, 56 people have been rescued , 47 of whichwere collected from the sail boat “Spirit of Piraeus”. Another rescued from the sail ship “Abi Jaret”. Eight received by Italian helicopters (one Italian helicopter picked seven and the other managed to rescue one).  Helicopters are carrying survivors in Lecce. 422 lives depend on the tow boats Italian choppers are currently conducting a rescue operation Italian rescue helicopters carry two passengers at a time but don’t have enough time – Agony on whether the «Norman Atlantic» will get safe in harbor

According to Italian media the fire in the Norman Atlantic is under control – Tugboat started from Corfu, but returned to the island due to bad weather The situation reaches a climax as it is still not possible to approach the burning ship Another 56 passengers are  rescued. Major rescue operation on a flaming ship in the open sea of Corfu – 328 in danger of drowning Dramatic and shocking passenger appeals and testimonies. At least 328 people in danger of drowning. 7 military helicopters in the area. Frigate Navarino is expected to arrive in Corfu in about 18 hours. Very difficult conditions – 10 Beaufort Wind and waves of 7 meters – 150 of the total 478 on board have been  rescued Anguish hours 478 people aboard Norman Atlantic since 4 in the morning, when a fire broke out in the garage. The Norman Atlantic ship with 411 passengers and 55 crew members was located in the open sea of Corfu in the area of Othonon, when a fire broke out in its garage, of so far unknown cause. So far 150 people have already boarded on a lifeboat and trying to board in a cargo ship «Spirit of Piraeus», but the weather conditions make the operation very hard with winds reaching the 7 Beaufort. Several passengers began to jump into the sea to save themselves and were collected by an Italian boat. Two other cargo ships rush to the area to help in the rescue and recovery of passengers, as well as floating Coast boat, three helicopters, a C-130 and a Super Puma. According to the Coast authorities three more ships are rushing to the point, however, the strong winds are slowing down the rescue operation. The Norman Atlantic has an Italian flag and had left from Igoumenitsa for the port of Ancona. The crew is also of Italian origin.