Spain: The Fate of Dozens of Passengers Unknown After Fire on Ferry

Two days after a fire broke out on a ferry heading to the Spanish island of Mallorca, many of the 350 affected passengers are still waiting for their vehicles and belongings. The ferry "TANASIA," carrying cars from Valencia, set sail on Sunday evening and was scheduled to arrive in Mallorca on Monday morning. However, a fire broke out in the engine room approximately halfway through the journey, according to the Italian shipping company "GNV" speaking to the German news agency (dpa). No one was injured in the fire that broke out shortly after midnight. Professional firefighters were airlifted to assist and the fire was contained. Nonetheless, most passengers, including many truck drivers traveling for work, did not reach the tourist island. They were evacuated and returned to Valencia the day before yesterday, Monday, by towing the damaged ferry, which also brought their vehicles and luggage. GNV noted on Wednesday that it hopes to update passengers regarding their cars and belongings in the coming hours. Spanish media reported that "GNV" provided accommodations in hotels for the passengers. However, according to the newspaper "Ultima Hora" and other media outlets in Mallorca, some passengers decided not to wait for "GNV" to take them to the island and traveled to Mallorca on their own. Others canceled their vacation. "GNV" did not respond to inquiries about the number of passengers still stranded in Valencia.