Two are confirmed dead and four are missing from the 3,350-dwt Gokbal (built 2011) which was on a coastal voyage between the Italian ports of Ravenna and Brindisi.

Storms were reported at the time the Gokbal was in collision with the 4,452-dwt general cargoship Lady Aziza (built 1991.

The Italian coast guard said the incident happened in poor visibility on Sunday a mile off Italy’s Adriatic coastline.

Difficult