According to the TV channel, the body is currently being transported to Italy by the country's Coast Guard.
One passenger sustained injuries in the fire, while a military serviceman was injured in the course of the rescue operation, Ska TG24 reported.
#NormanAtlantic. One person has died and another injured, Greek and Italian officials say
— Vasilis Dalianis (@VasilisDalianis) 28 декабря 2014
It was previously reported that the Italian ferry is currently drifting toward the Albanian coast. The fire has been contained, but not put out completely.
The Greek defense minister informed the country's prime minister that the military had sent a large force into the area of the accident, the Hellenic Ministry Of National Defence told RIA Novosti.
Greek, Italian & Albanian authorities for #NormanAtlantic rescue, strong winds, heavy seas & cold temperatures. pic.twitter.com/vdGP1r9R7R
— MarineTraffic (@MarineTraffic) 28 декабря 2014
According to the ministry, 11 helicopters and a military aircraft were deployed to the area to assist in the rescue operation. The Super Puma helicopters of the Hellenic Air Force have started the evacuation of about 320 people who remain on board of the burning ferry. Another 150 passengers were evacuated in lifeboats.
#HellenicArmedForces helos with #rescue hoists: 12 Super Pumas, 8 AB205, 11 S70 AegeanHawks, 8 AB212 #NormanAtlantic pic.twitter.com/69SejFjiR3
— e-Αmyna (@e_amyna) 28 декабря 2014
#HellenicArmedForces mobilization: 2 Super Puma, 3 AB205, 2 S70, 2 NH90, 2 CH-47D Chinook, 1 frigate #NormanAtlantic pic.twitter.com/IlS8MC1ybU
— e-Αmyna (@e_amyna) 28 декабря 2014
The ferry caught fire early on Sunday, 33 nautical miles away from the Greek island Othonoi. According to the preliminary data, the fire started in the cargo section of the vessel. About 470 people were aboard when the fire broke out. Some 150 people were evacuated in lifeboats.
The vessel’s passengers included 234 Greeks, 54 Turkish, 22 citizens of Albania and the same number of Italians, as well as German, Swiss, French, Austrian, Bulgarian and other nationals.
