The Directorate of Press and Public Information of the Ministry of National Defence announces the following, regarding the actions taken by the MOD to the search and rescue operations for the passengers of the “Norman Atlantic” ferry, on which a fire occurred while sailing north of Othonoi island, at the Adriatic Sea:

“The Ministry of National Defence, from the first moment it was informed for the incident on the “NORMAN ATLANTIC” ferry, by order of the Minister of National Defence Mr. Nikos Dendias and after contacting the Office of the Prime Minister Mr. Antonis Samaras and cooperating with the Ministry of Mercantile Marine and Aegean, imminently activated means of the Armed Forces.

Particularly, the following actions were taken:

From 06:45’ to 08:50’ am, two S – 70 Helos of the HN took off, destined to Corfu Airport.

From 08:32’ to 09:52’ a.m., three more AB – 205 Helos of the Hellenic AF landed to Corfu Airport, coming from the airports of Araxos, Kalamata and Preveza.

Afterwards, two SUPER PUMA Helos of the Hellenic AF flied to Corfu airport, coming from the airports of Limnos and Chios.

In addition, two C-130 Aircraft took off the airport of Elefsis towards the area, so as to coordinate the flight means.

From noon, a Flying Means Operations Centre operates at Corfu airport, led by a Hellenic AF supreme officer.

Moreover, two ΝΗ 90 Helos are at Aktio airport and two Chinook Helos are at Araxos airport, with two teams of Special operations onboard. They remain there so as to confront personnel transport emergencies.

As far as the naval means are concerned, the frigate “Navarino” was ordered to sail to the area. Also, the Fast Patrol Boat “Daniolos” sails to the area, with a Special Operations team onboard, while the General Support Ship “Axios” also sails towards the area.

It is noted that during the entire day, two S-70 Helicopters of the HN were at readiness to Marathon and two more Chinook of the HA to Megara airport.

As far as the operational contribution of the Armed Forces is concerned, since the afternoon a SUPER PUMA of the AF operated in the area where the “NORMAN ATLANTIC” lies, effecting evacuations from the flaming ship to the “Cruise Europa” sailing nearby.

It is noted that an attempt to approach the ship was made by two S-70 Helos and one more SUPER PUMA , yet the adverse weather conditions between Corfu and the area of the incident did not allow it.

Since tonight, the weather conditions in the broader region of Corfu are expected to improve, something that will allow the use of the aforementioned flight means”.