Rescue services save 170 from burning ferry

Spanish emergency services safely evacuated around 170 people from a burning ferry crossing the Mediterranean from Mallorca to the port of Valencia, said government and port authorities.

The Sorrento ferry, belonging to the Italian company Atlantica di Navigazione although operated by Trasmediterranea-Acciona, sent out distress signals, the Ministry of Public Works said in a statement.

Spanish newspaper websites showed pictures of the ferry belching out great clouds of black smoke.