9 Dead in Greek Ship Fire Off Venezuela

Officials in Venezuela say a cargo ship fire off the country's Caribbean coast has killed nine people and injured five more.

Authorities say the fire began before dawn in the mess hall of Greek-owned ship Aegean Wind as it headed to Houston, Texas from Brazil with iron ore on board.

The injured sailors - including one with severe burns on much of his body - were evacuated by the military.

Twenty four crew members were on board the ship - nine of them Greek and 15 from the Philippines.

The vessel is owned by the Piraeus, Greece-based Atlantic Bulk Carrier Management company.

Some information for this report was provided by AP and Reuters.