Footage shows massive blaze as passengers forced to abandon Majorca ferry

More than 150 people were rescued from the ship after it caught fire on Tuesday

The fire started on Tuesday and forced all passengers to evacuate onto lifeboats (Reuters)

The massive fire that engulfed a ferry as it travelled from Majorca to Valencia in Spain has been captured in an incredible video.

The footage shows clouds of smoke billowing out of the 185-metre long ship around 35-miles from its departure point at Palma de Mallorca.

Three crew members had to be taken to hospital to be treated for smoke inhalation, with two of them reported as being in serious conditions.

All passengers and crew members were eventually returned to Majorca on Tuesday evening.

It is not exactly know the origins of the massive blaze but some believe it could have been started by a small fire near the engine room.

It is now feared that the burnt-out ferry could sink as a result of the level of damage it has received.

The Port Authority in Majorca said that they were working around the clock to ensure the ship that was carrying 753 tonnes of fuel and other contaminating liquids did not cause lasting environmental damage.