Fire erupted on board of ferry COSSYRA, understood on cargo deck (some sources refer to engine room), at around 2030 UTC Sep 29, in Mediterranean north of Lampedusa, when ferry was en route from Lampedusa to Porto Empedocle, with 175 people on board. The ship went adrift, Italian Coast Guard responded and coordinated rescue. Reportedly, all 177, including 55 passengers, 10 carabineri, 27 crew and dozens of migrants, were evacuated by patrol ship, and transferred to Porto Empedocle. Not much details given about firefighting, it was mentioned, that fire was either extinguished, or taken under control, with tug assistance. Whether all crew were evacuated, or at least some remain on board, is unclear. Last AIS position received at 1130 UTC Sep 30, the ship was adrift.
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