Just two hours after leaving port in Civitavecchia, the cruise ship Costa Concordia hit a reef near the island of Giglio, off Italy’s Tuscan coast, reportedly ripping a 165-foot gash in its hull.  The ship began flooding and rolled on its side.  3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew were evacuated in a nightime rescue by lifeboats, local craft and helicopters. While there have been reports of six deaths, thus far only three bodies have been recovered. Divers have been brought in to search the flooded portions of the ship while the decks above water are being searched for missing passengers.  Over 50 passengers are reported to be unaccounted for.

Italy cruise ship Costa Concordia aground near Giglio

The 114,500 GRT ship is 950ft (290m) long, has a  beam of 118ft (35.5m) and has a capacity for 3,700 passengers on 13 passenger decks.  The ship is owned and operated by Costa Crociere, a subsidiary of Carnival Corporation.

Luxury Costa Concordia cruise ship runs aground

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Thanks to Alaric Bond and Phil Leon for passing the along the news.