A sailboat sank off the coast of Palermo, Sicily, early on Monday morning, at around 5 am local time, after encountering poor weather.

According to local media, a fierce storm battered the area overnight.

The 56 meter vessel, called the Bajesian, was sailing under a British flag was carrying 22 people. 12 passengers, mainly British citizens and 10 crew.

According to the Italian fire and rescue service, 15 people, including a one year old child have been rescued by coastguard patrol boats and fire brigades. The child was taken to the Children’s Hospital in Palermo.

One of the missing people was found dead next to the vessel, while six passengers missing. The deceased’s nationality is still undetermined.

A search and rescue operation is underway, with authorities dispatching divers to surround the wreck, found at a depth of 50 meters, as well as a helicopter.

Emergency and rescue services work near the scene where a sailboat sank in the early hours of Monday off the coast of Porticello, near the Sicilian city of Palermo, Italy, August 19, 2024. REUTERS/Igor Petyx