A Paris prosecutor has opened a preliminary investigation into the Costa Concordia disaster off Italy.

The prosecutor's office said it has asked police to investigate claims filed in France.



More than 450 French citizens were aboard the Costa Cruises vessel when it ran aground on 13 January off Giglio.



A total of 17, including four from France, have been confirmed dead.



Two French are among the 15 still missing and presumed dead.



Costa