Paolillo

Francesco Paolillo said the exact circumstances of the accident were still unclear, but that the first alarm aboard went off about 10:30 p.m., about three hours after the Concordia had begun its voyage from the port of Civitavecchia to Savona, in northwestern Italy.

Costa Concordia Disaster: Italian Cruise Ship Runs Aground Off Tuscany Coast 2012

Paolillo said, then tried to steer his ship toward shallow waters, near Giglio's small port, to make evacuation by lifeboat easier.

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Francesco Paolillo told The Associated Press by telephone from the port city of Livorno early Saturday that there are "probably" at least three more dead, although he hasn't received confirmation of those three.

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The captain, Paolillo said, then tried to steer his ship toward shallow waters, near Giglio's small port, to make evacuation by lifeboat easier.

Costa Concordia Disaster: Italian Cruise Ship Runs Aground Off Tuscany Coast 2012

It was like a scene from the Titanic, another passenger aboard, journalist Mara Parmegiani, told ANSA.Paolillo said the exact dynamics of the accident were still unclear, but that the first alarm went off about 10:30pm 2130 GMT, about three hours after the Concordia had begun its voyage from the port of Civitavecchia, enroute to its first port of call, Savona, in northwestern Italy.

Italians launch rescue bid after cruise liner runs aground 2012

There were at least three more feared dead, and helicopters were working to pluck to safety some 50 people still trapped aboard the badly listing Costa Concordia, said Coast Guard Commander Francesco Paolillo.

Italians launch rescue bid after cruise liner runs aground 2012

Paolillo said it wasn't immediately known if the dead were passengers or crew, nor were the nationalities of the victims immediately known.

Italians launch rescue bid after cruise liner runs aground 2012

But after the ship started listing badly onto its right side, lifeboat evacuation was no longer feasible, Paolillo said.

Italians launch rescue bid after cruise liner runs aground 2012

The vessel "hit an obstacle," that tore a 50-meter 160 feet gash in the side of the ship and started taking on water, Paolillo said.

Costa Concordia Disaster: Italian Cruise Ship Runs Aground Off Tuscany Coast 2012