A 49-metre saiboat with 22 people on board sank off the coast of Palermo. Fifteen people have been rescued while seven are missing.
ADVERTISEMENTA 49-metre sailboat with 22 people on board sank due to bad weather around 5 am local time (5 am CEST) in the stretch of sea across from Porticello in the province of Palermo.
15 people were rescued by coastguard patrol boats and fire brigades, while seven people are missing. According to local media, a fierce storm, including water spouts, battered the area overnight.
Divers from the fire brigade have dived to reach the hull at a depth of 49 metres, about half a mile from the coast.
Searches underway
The boat, called the « Bajesian », was flying the British flag and carrying mostly British citizens, but also a citizen of New Zealand, a citizen of Sri Lanka, two British and French dual nationals and a citizen of Ireland. Fire brigade divers and officers rescued a one-year-old boy who was taken to the Children’s Hospital in Palermo.
A search is underway for the seven missing people. The fire brigade has also dispatched a helicopter to search the area from above. In addition to one crew member, four Britons, one Canadian and two Americans passengers are missing.
