ROME and LONDON — A 183-foot sailboat carrying 22 people sank early Monday off the coast of the Italian island of Sicily after stormy weather in the area, according to coast guard authorities.
Coast Guard members have rescued 15 passengers, but seven are still missing, according to a Coast Guard statement to ABC News. At least one American is believed to be among the seven still missing, with British and Canadian citizens also missing, officials said. Of those who recovered, eight were transported to local hospitals, officials said.
The British-flagged vessel – named Bayesian – sank off Porticello, near the coastal city of Palermo, the statement said. The vessel is currently located at a depth of approximately 164 feet, with firefighter divers now attempting to reach it, the statement said.
Four coast guard vessels, a helicopter and a team of fire brigade divers are involved in the search, which is being coordinated by the Palermo Coast Guard, the statement said.
Fabio La Bianca, who owns local restaurant BAIA Santa Nicolicchia, told ABC News that he noticed the moored ship had disappeared when he went to check storm damage at his business.
“After half an hour with the other guys we realized it was no longer there and immediately the rescuers went around looking for the missing, they had also launched two emergency rockets into the air earlier,” said La Bianca.
Local mayor Giuseppe D’Agostino wrote on Facebook that “the tragedy that struck our community is unprecedented in history.”
“The administration has activated all channels with the police and is taking care of the people who have been recovered alive so far,” D’Agostino said, adding that local authorities are collecting clothing and finding housing for the survivors.
“The search continues at sea and all we can do is pray and hope to find someone alive.”
This is a development story. Check back for updates.
ABC News’ Joe Simonetti contributed to this report.