Ferry ablaze between Jordan and Egypt
Hundreds of passengers have been evacuated from a ferry that caught fire in the Red Sea, officials say.
They said the fire had been mostly brought under control.
The ferry, carrying at least 1,200 people, caught fire about 15 nautical miles from the Jordanian port of Aqaba, Egyptian officials said.
It was headed to Nuweiba in Egypt and most of the passengers were said to be Egyptian migrant workers. There were no immediate reports of casualties.
As many as 1,000 passengers were evacuated from the boat, which officials said had been severely damaged.
Egyptian TV said military aircraft as well as boats were also being deployed in the rescue operation.
The ferry is owned by Arab Bridge Maritime Company (AB Maritime), a joint venture between the governments of Jordan, Egypt and Iraq, Reuters news agency reported.
More than 1,000 people were killed in 2006 after a ferry crossing from Saudi Arabia and Egypt sank in the Red Sea.
BBC News - Ferry ablaze between Jordan and Egypt
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