Med cruise ship hits rocks: 3 dead, 40 missing

THE captain and the first officer of the luxury cruise liner that ran aground off the coast of Italy were being questioned by police last night over allegations that they abandoned the ship while passengers were in danger.

The captain, Francesco Schettino, was also facing allegations of manslaughter, according to the Italian authorities, following the holiday cruise disaster in which at least three people died.

The three confirmed dead after the ship hit rocks off the tiny island of Giglio were identified last night as two French passengers and a Peruvian crew member.

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A search for up to 40 missing passengers continued yesterday, with divers inspecting the submerged half of the Costa Concordia for bodies.

Hopes were raised late last night by reports that two of the missing had been found alive after more than 24 hours.

Firefighters on the ship had heard the voices of a man and a woman several decks below where they were searching and made voice contact. A team of 35 were preparing to mount a rescue on board the stricken vessel at around 12.45am local time.

Survivors who reached mainland Italy yesterday spoke of a chaotic and terrifying evacuation from the listing ship after a 160ft gash was ripped through its hull on Friday evening.

An investigation into the cause of the accident is under way, but it is thought an explosion in the engine room caused a power failure.

Yesterday, survivors described a scene reminiscent of the sinking of the Titanic as the liner, carrying 4,200 people, was plunged into darkness and chaos.

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