ATHENS – The ferry “Euroferry Olympia” that caught fire while sailing in the sea northeast of Ereikoussa on Friday, February 18, while carrying out the itinerary Igoumenitsa-Brindisi reached its destination just outside the port of Astakos in Etoloakarnania on Wednesday.

There appeared to be no fires but only dense smoke on board the vessel.

Three tugboats and a fire brigade vessel are currently close to the ferry, in order to put out any fires that may rekindle.

When the tugboats complete their work and guide the ferry into the port, there will be an attempt to open the doors and the fire brigade will resume the search and rescue operation to locate the 10 ferry passengers who are still missing.

A total of 64 Fire Brigade officers are at the port of Astakos and members of the Dutch company Smit Salvage and of the Greek Megatugs salvage towage.

Sources said that as soon as the rescue operation is complete they will start the pumping of water and fuel. Roughly 700 tons of fuel are on the ferry.

The Shipping and Island Policy Ministry will arrange for the transport and accommodation of the families of the missing.