Italy ship crash: 7 dead and 2 missing

Seven people are confirmed dead while 2 remains unaccounted for after a container ship slammed Genoa control tower.

09:08 09 May 2013

The concrete and glass tower of Genoa port has collapsed after a cargo ship, Jolly Nero, slammed in to it Tuesday night. Seven people are confirmed dead while two others remain unaccounted for, as of time of writing. Four people who were injured were taken to hospital.

Rescue workers and divers have been searching for survivors. There are fears that the missing persons are trapped inside the elevator where most of the bodies were found.

Luigi Merlo, president of the Genoa port authority described the incident as “unbelievable.” When asked about the possible cause, he declined to speculate.

Instead, he said that the ship shouldn’t be near the dock as it had plenty of room to maneuver in the harbor.

Prosecutors, who are now investigating the ship’s captain, were considering a possible mechanical failure that may have left the captain unable to steer it properly.

Meanwhile, the ship’s owner, Messina said that they are cooperating with the police to determine the cause of the accident. It added: "There aren't words to express the dismay and profound condolences for the victims of this tragedy and their families.”