Britons and Americans among missing after yacht sinks off Sicily in storm

Seven people are missing after a yacht with 22 people onboard – including British citizens and other foreign nationals – sank off the coast of Sicily during bad weather.

Fifteen people were rescued from the 49-metre (160ft) sailing boat by coastguard patrol boats and firefighters, including a one-year-old child.

Italy’s ANSA news agency reported that four British people, a Canadian and two Americans were missing. The incident occurred at about 5am on Monday in waters off Palermo, during a fierce storm that brought a whirlwind and rough seas to the area.

Rescue divers are trying to reach the hull, which sank to approximately 49 metres.

The infant, a boy, arrived at the hospital with his mother, who sustained minor injuries. All 15 rescued people are in good condition.

The Il Giornale di Sicilia newspaper reported the boat was flying a British flag and had mostly British passengers onboard, but also people from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and British-French citizens.

ANSA said the boat, which it said was named Bajesian, was moored in the port at Porticello and had set sail on Sunday evening.

More details soon …