At Least 40 Missing in Italian Passenger Shipwreck

According to reports, this was the first night of a Mediterranean cruise. The ship set sail Friday with more than 4,000 people aboard.

Wreckage of the Costa Concordia, a 650-foot ocean liner, laying on its side off Italy's Giglio island

(TUSCANY, Italy) - In perfectly clear and calm weather, a cruise ship off the coast of Tuscany, Italy crashed into the rocks and has now partly capsized, at least 40 souls are missing.

There are reports of the crew having little or no training in emergency and evacuation procedures. At this point officials in Italy have confirmed that three people have died.

Rescue divers are presently searching the Costa Concordia, a 650-foot ocean liner, laying on its side off Italy's Giglio island.

According to reports, this was the first night of a Mediterranean cruise. The ship set sail Friday with more than 4,000 people aboard.

Most of the passengers and crew were able to reach land by literally swimming to shore, however it will be some time before real, accurate numbers of casualties are determined.

Police have questioned the captain, who is being held in connection with the deaths. There are reports that he didn't issue a 'mayday' call.

Officials are questioning local residents, many of whom took in survivors of the ship wreck, as the Mayor of Tuscany had asked them to do.