LIMASSOL (CYPRUS), Oct 5: A fire raged through a cruise ship early on Saturday as it sailed off Cyprus, sending more than 650 passengers and crew fleeing in lifeboats and helicopters.The Ms Romantica, a 10,500-ton Cypriot vessel, was carrying European tourists on a Mediterranean cruise to Port Said, Egypt.``The boat burned like hell. We were lucky to get out alive, but I've lost everything,'' said the ship's photographer, a Briton who gave only the name Chris.The Cypriot ship Princess Victoria reached the area, 100 kms (65 miles) off Cyprus, half an hour after picking up a distress signal and found passenger, many still in pyjamas, already in lifeboats.Helicopters from a British base in Cyprus rescued the last passengers and the captain from the deck of the blazing vessel. All the evacuees, 482 passengers and 182 crew members, were taken aboard the Victoria.Helicopter commander Jonathan Dixon said as his craft approached the ship, they saw passengers clambering into the lifeboats.Many were already at sea heading for the Victoria. ``Smoke was coming from the Romantica's bridge and the surrounding area,'' he said.``Victoria's captain Yannis Papapdopoulos said the rescue was orderly. There was no panic at all and no injuries, not even a scratch.'' The ship, owned by the Cypriot company Paradise Tours, had been on a three-day cruise to Egypt and Israel. The passengers were from Europe, including 223 Russians and 120 Britons.Most passengers had left all their luggage on the burning ship. Many no longer had passports. Initial reports said the fire had started in the engine room, but the cause was still unknown. Cyprus television showed it was still blazing on Saturday with thick smoke billowing from its middle section.
