Firefighters recover main black box from Norman Atlantic

Italian firefighters at the port of Brindisi have recovered the main black box data recorder from the Norman Atlantic ferry but there are fears that it may have been seriously damaged by the fire that broke out on board.

Another black box had been discovered on Friday. Italy’s Rai TV reported that authorities believe the fire may have been caused by a short circuit.

Authorities have not been able to make a full assessment of the damage on board as the residual heat from the fire has prevented a proper search. The Italian-made ferry, which had been chartered by Greek company Anek Lines, is due to be moved to the port of Bari as soon as this is possible.

The post-mortem examinations of the nine bodies recovered so far are due to take place in Bari on Monday.