Greek port authorities had warned of safety ‘deficiencies' just 10 days before the ill-fated journey of the Norman Atlantic ferry which caught fire off the coast of Greece on its way to Ancona, leaving at least 11 dead and dozens missing.

According to a document issued on December 19 – and posted on the newsit.gr (link in Greek) news site –  by the ship inspection centre of the Patras port authority, the Italian-flagged vessel had serious safety ‘deficiencies' in life saving appliances, fire doors  and passenger handling plans. All in all, the report noted, six ‘deficiencies’.

Media reports said the the ship’s Greek  operator, ANEK lines, was given 15 days to comply with the finding.

Greek shipping crew unions lashed out at the ship’s owners,  Italy’s Visemar Di Navigazone Srl, and the ship's operator ANEK Lines for putting profit before human life.

“Once again, it is proven that shipowners' hunt for profit overrides the necessary measures for the protection of human life at sea with painful consequences for passengers,” said a statement issued by four trade unions representing Greek shipping crews.

Investigations into the causes of the tragedy are underway in both Italy and Greece.