4 more under investigation in Greek ferry fire

[Omaha Steve]

Source: AP-Excite

By PAOLO SANTALUCIA

BRINDISI, Italy (AP) — Four more maritime officials were put under formal investigation Friday as a charred ferry was towed into the Italian port of Brindisi and authorities prepared to search it for possible more dead.

The blaze that broke out Sunday and torched the Norman Atlantic ferry has killed at least 11 people. Italy says 477 people were rescued, most by helicopters that plucked survivors off the top deck in gale-force winds and carried them to nearby boats.

The probe into the disaster widened Friday. In addition to the ship's captain and the head of the company that built the ferry — both Italians — the prosecutor's office in Bari put two other crew members and two representatives of the Greek ferry line Anek, which rented the Norman Atlantic, under investigation, the Italian news agency ANSA reported.

Towing the ferry overnight across the choppy seas of the Adriatic took 17 hours.

FULL story at link.



Norman Atlantic ferry captain Argilio Giacomazzi talks with journalists outside his home in Campiglia, near La Spezia, Italy, Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015. The Italian captain of the Italian-made ferry, which was operated by a Greek company, was questioned in the southern port of Bari by prosecutors for more than five hours Wednesday. Stormy weather in the Adriatic Sea thwarted efforts Wednesday to tow the fire-ravaged ferry to Italy so authorities can investigate the blaze that killed at least 11 people and search the ship for more possible dead. (AP Photo/Ansa/Riccardo Dalle Luche)


Read more: http://apnews.excite.com/article/20150102/eu--italy-ferry_fire-c466c7a989.html

[Turbineguy]

1. They should look at their inspection program as well

The ferry failed inspection with regard to alarms, lifesaving apparatus and emergency lighting and the operators were given 2 months to comply.