Hello, Mum...ferry blaze man heads home for New Year's eve
The Italian vessel was carrying 478 people when it caught fire north-west of Corfu on Sunday.
His mother Dorothy, who was married to the late British film producer Simon Channing-Williams, had maintained a tense vigil with daughters Nicole and Karen.
She said today (Monday): “The news that he was finally safe came at lunchtime.”
Mr Channing-William’s sister Karen said: “It’s been a bit of a roller coaster. We're hoping he gets back for New Year's eve, now.”
At least seven people are reported to have died and more than 400 people have been rescued, in a long and complex operation amid gale-force winds and thick smoke.
Pick up a copy of this week’s Newbury Weekly News for the full, dramatic account from the family.