Four Brits among 7 missing as yacht sinks off Sicily ‘in tornado’ as desperate rescue mission launched for survivors

SEVEN people have reportedly gone missing after a 160ft yacht was hit by a tornado before sinking off the coast of Sicily overnight.

A one-year-old child was rescued by coast guards on patrol boats and firefighters along with 15 others as officials still desperately search for the remaining tourists who are said to be mainly Brits.

Seven people have gone missing after a 160ft yacht sunk off the coast of Sicily after a tornado, Italian media reports

Citizens from New Zealand, Sri Lanka, Ireland and France were also on board alongside the British nationals, say il Fatto Quotidiano.

The yacht is believed to have been flooded by water after a tornado struck off the coast of Porticello, near Palermo, at around 5am on Monday morning.

The Palermo port authority announced this morning that they are “looking for people alive” as he hunt for survivors continues.

An expert team of divers have already been able to locate the hull, according to Italian media.

It was discovered 160ft below the water around half a mile from the coast.

The baby, 1, was rushed to the nearby Children’s Hospital of Palermo with its mother after they were found.

The captain of the vessel reported the ship as capsizing to authorities before rushing to get to safety.

More to follow… For the latest news on this story keep checking back at The Sun Online

Thesun.co.uk is your go-to destination for the best celebrity news, real-life stories, jaw-dropping pictures and must-see video.

Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/thesun and follow us from our main Twitter account at @TheSun.