Two dead in ferry fire off western Norway

Sep 15, 2011, 14:53 GMT

Oslo - Two people died Thursday during a fire on a passenger ferry off the western coast of Norway, police said.

The two were crew members, acting police chief Yngve Skovly said at a news conference in the town of Alesund, the planned destination of the ferry, MS Nordlys.

In addition, 16 people were injured - all crew members, a spokesman for the ferry operator said.

Police said seven people had been taken to hospital of whom two were in a serious condition. One was later flown to Haukeland University Hospital in Bergen.

The injured had sustained burns and were suffering from smoke inhalation.

Police and emergency services believed the fire was caused by an explosion in the engine room. An accident investigation was to be launched.

The ferry had 262 people onboard of whom 207 were passengers, including foreign nationals, the ferry operator said.

Some passengers were evacuated by life boat before the ferry was towed to a quay at Alesund where it was listing heavily.

Geir Thorsen of the emergency services said their efforts were now focused on pumping water from the ferry, which was taking in water.

Smoke from the fire had been billowing over the town of Alesund. Inhabitants were initially advised to keep windows and ventilation systems closed and a hotel on the waterfront was evacuated.

The ferry is part of the so-called 'hurtigruten' service that transports passengers, vehicles and supplies along the Norwegian west coast.