According to the latest information, the Greek ship “Norman Atlantic” is located approximately 12 miles North West of the island of Sazan, in Albanian territorial waters limit.

Approximately 146 passengers have been evacuated so far, but unfortunately the number of people who are still on board is over 300.

The weather conditions were extremely bad, which makes it impossible to tow the ship.

Currently, Albanian naval and air forces are on maximum alert. The warship Butrinti has been since this morning near the ship suffering breakdown and the Albanian crew is actively participating in the rescue operation. Illiria and Lisus warships are on standby in the port of Durres and can become part of the operation at any moment the Italian naval fleet, which is coordinating the operation, would ask.

Albanians, Italians and Greek experts think that the wind and waves direction may require that the Greek ship be anchored in one of the Albanian ports. Therefore, the Ministries of Defense, Health, Interior, Transport and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have taken all necessary measures to cope with the situation.

The Ministry of Interior has reinforced Border Police Forces in the ports of Vlora and Durres, supporting them with additional Order Police Forces. The staff of Border Crossing Points has been instructed on emergency procedure in order to facilitate the landing of passengers and to provide first aid.

The Ministry of Transport has put on standby the captaincy of the ports of Vlora and Durres, with all their capabilities to orientate and facilitate as much as possible the anchoring of the ferry.

The Ministry of Health has alerted the hospital of Durres, the Tirana Emergency Room and the Trauma Hospital. The Emergency Headquarters headed by Minister Beqaj will convene in the hospital in Durres at 18.30 to coordinate medical assistance that may be needed in case the ship anchors in the port of Durres.

Contacts between the Albanian government and the Italian and Greek governments are going on. Minister Tahiri had a call with his Italian counterpart Alfano, while Prime Minister Rama spoke with Prime Minister Samaras, with whom coordinated the continuation of the operation.