Swedish rescue crews working to evacuate 300 people off burning boat

By Leila Nezirevic

LONDON (AA) – Rescue crews are working to evacuate some 300 people from a ferry ablaze in the Baltic Sea just off the coast of Sweden, officials said Monday

Both helicopters and boats are taking part in rescue efforts off the island of Gotska Sandon. There are no reports yet of deaths or injuries from the blaze, which authorities say is largely under control.

Reporting that the fire is centered on the ferry's car deck, Jonas Franzen, spokesman for the Swedish Maritime Administration, added: "We have three helicopters and seven boats in place and have started to evacuate."

It is unclear how long it will take to rescue everyone, said Lisa Mjorning, another spokesperson, adding: “At the moment we have only evacuated by boat. You have to decide on the spot how to do it, there are quite a lot of people.”

Authorities got an alert at 12.38 CET (1038GMT) Monday about the fire, which still appears to be producing smoke coming from the ship.