Fire on board a Spanish ferry in the Mediterranean has forced more than 150 passengers and crew to abandon ship.<br /><br /> Despite the flames and smoke, clearly visible from far away, all passengers and crew are safe: mostly evacuated onto lifeboats, they were then picked up by a passing ship.<br /><br /> The Spanish coastguard sent vessels and a helicopter to the scene. <br /><br /> Four crew members suffering from smoke inhalation were winched to safety.<br /><br /> Other passenger ships were asked to assist with the rescue effort.<br /><br /> The Sorrento had left Mallorca heading for Valencia when the fire broke out on one of the car decks. It’s not known what caused it.<br /><br /> At first the captain thought it unnecessary to abandon ship until it became clear the crew couldn’t control the fire.<br /><br /> The passengers were taken back to Palma de Mallorca on board one of the other ferries, the Balearia Puglia.<br /><br /> The Red Cross set up a first aid point and counsellors were on hand.<br /><br /> The Balearic Islands Port Authority said that due to the fire
