Emergency teams in Italy are racing to rescue those missing after a cruise ship ran aground off the country’s west coast with about 4 000 people on board.
Coast guard vessels are combing the waters around the Costa Concordia, which is lying on its side. Divers are searching its submerged decks.
There were scenes of panic as it began listing yesterday. Most people reached land by lifeboats but some swam ashore.
Three people are confirmed dead. About 70 are said to be unaccounted for.
However, local official Giuseppe Linardi told reporters that some of those listed as missing may still be housed in private homes on the small island of Giglio – where those rescued reached land. (BBC)
