Norman Atlantic Ferry Fire: One Dead, Hundreds Trapped In Burning Ferry, Airlift Underway, What Caused The Blaze? [VIDEO + REPORT]

Norman Atlantic Ferry Fire - At least one man has died after trying to escape a burning ferry in the Adriatic Sea during rescue attempts Sunday afternoon. Meanwhile, hundreds were still awaiting rescue as the Norman Atlantic ferry fire continues and night falls.

Airlift of passengers from the Norman Atlantic ferry fire are being worked on by Italian and Greek helicopter crews into the night. They are battling darkness and bad weather that are also getting in the way of rescue efforts by other ships Sunday.

The Norman Atlantic ferry fire involved the Italian-flagged Norman Atlantic. The blaze, which broke out on the ship's lower deck, began Sunday morning off the coast of Greece.

After helicopters pluck passengers from the burning ferry, they are then transferred to nearby merchant ships and an Italian Navy transport dock. From there, they will reportedly be transported on to the Italian port of Brindisi or hospitals.

While one Greek man has died from the Norman Atlantic ferry fire, authorities say four were also injured amongst the 478 passengers and crew. According to the Italian navy early Monday, 251 people had been rescued from the danger zone of the Norman Atlantic ferry fire. However, 227 were still on board, according to Reuters.

The Italian coastguard also said the Norman Atlantic ferry fire had already been "tamed". The ship is currently being stabilized via cables attached to a tug, assisting extremely difficult rescue operations due to rough seas and strong winds.

Other passengers reportedly suffered smoke inhalation and hypothermia due to the Norman Atlantic ferry fire. They will be brought to hospitals in southern Italy, according to the Italian Coast Guard.

According to the Italian navy, two Italian air force helicopters, one Greek Superpuma helicopter and an Italian plane took part in the rescue operations of the Norman Atlantic ferry fire. Other aircraft as well as 10 ships also took part in support roles.

Meanwhile, airlifts would continue as the boat is towed towards port. Rescue workers are still trying to get close to the boat in order to bring people off the ship if conditions allow, said Greek Shipping Minister Miltiadis Varvitsiotis.

"It will be a very difficult night and I hope that everything will go well and we will rescue all passengers and all crew members," said Varvitsiotis.

Currently, rescue efforts are under way, therefore the focus of Italian and Greek media is reportedly shifting now to the cause of the Norman Atlantic ferry fire. Cause of the blaze is believed to have started in the ship's parking bay, reports CNN.

According to at least one truck driver, as told to the Greek news media, trucks filled with oil were "packed like sardines." Cargo scraped the ceiling, having them believe that this could have set off some sparks in the rough seas thus starting a fire.

The Norman Atlantic ferry fire have since made national headlines in Greece, Italy and other countries whose citizens are aboard the ferry. On Sunday, Pope Francis offered "affection and prayers" during a morning public address, to those affected.

Meanwhile, according to The Guardian, the Italian coast guard and navy have released aerial footage of incident as it took place in the Adriatic Sea.

See footage here.

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