Six people missing and one dead after luxury yacht sinks off coast of Italy

At least one person was killed, and six others were missing on Monday after a luxury yacht sank, Italian officials said.

Divers have been trying to reach the hull of the ship, which is resting at a depth of 50 meters off the coast of Porticello in Italy, according to a statement by the Italian fire brigade.

At least one person has died and six are missing after the yacht was sunk. The body of one man was found outside the wreckage.

Initial attempts to access it were hampered by the ship’s furniture blocking access. It’s feared that the bodies of the missing could be found inside.

Italian authorities have not formally confirmed the nationality of the one person whose body has been recovered.

As it is reported by Italy’s institutional agency for fire and rescue service, Vigili del Fuoco, the first inspection of divers inside the wreck was unsuccessful.

“There was limited access to the bridge, with difficulties due to the presence of furniture that obstructs the passage,” the agency said late hours on Monday.

Divers have identified a wreckage 50m below the water’s surface and an investigation is currently underway into the incident.

The search operations continue with rescuers searching for the six people missing with naval and air assets of the Italian Coast Guard, and divers of Vigili del Fuoco.

The authorities have yet to determine what caused the yacht to sink.

The Italian coast guard confirmed with a post in the social media that 15 people rescued after the yacht sank off Porticello.

“The search coordinated by Guardia Costiera of Palermo is underway for the 6 people still missing, with naval and air assets of the Coast Guard, and divers of Vigili del Fuoco,” it said.