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A rescue operation was launched Wednesday to retrieve 111 people from a burning ship hundreds of miles off the coast of United Kingdom and France, authorities said.
Most of the crew of the Athena -- a fishing ship that processes fish on board -- have been evacuated to life rafts, while the remaining 30 members battle the fire, according to Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Complicating the rescue is Athena's distance from land -- some 230 miles (370 km) southwest of the Isles of Scilly and 270 miles (435 km) west of the Pointe Du Penmarche in Brittany, France. Because they can only carry so much fuel, British Royal Navy helicopters only have about 20 minutes over the rescue scene before having to return, according to the agency.
Five ships have responded to an emergency call to pick up crewmembers, who include Chinese, Russian, Peruvian and Scandinavian personnel.
Most of the crew of the Athena -- a fishing ship that processes fish on board -- have been evacuated to life rafts, while the remaining 30 members battle the fire, according to Britain's Maritime and Coastguard Agency.
Complicating the rescue is Athena's distance from land -- some 230 miles (370 km) southwest of the Isles of Scilly and 270 miles (435 km) west of the Pointe Du Penmarche in Brittany, France. Because they can only carry so much fuel, British Royal Navy helicopters only have about 20 minutes over the rescue scene before having to return, according to the agency.
Five ships have responded to an emergency call to pick up crewmembers, who include Chinese, Russian, Peruvian and Scandinavian personnel.