The 1976-built, 40,594 gt, ro-ro containership Jolly Nero is reported to have collided with the control tower at around 23-00hrs on 7 May as the vessel was leaving port.
The collision caused the 50 m high tower to collapse. According to local reports seven people in the tower are confirmed to have died, and four more were injured. According to reports up to 14 people were in the tower at the time of accident, leaving three more missing.
The Jolly Nero is owned by Italian shipping company Ignazio Messina & C.
According to local news reports the vessel’s engines jammed as it was leaving port with the assistance of two tugs. The exact cause of the accident remains unclear.
Stefano Messina, a director of the shipowner, tearfully told journalists at the port: "We are all utterly shocked. Nothing like this has ever happened before, we are desperate."
"It is a terrible tragedy," the head of the Genoa Port Authority Luigi Merlo told local Genoa television station Primocanale. "At the moment there is no explanation for the accident."
The vessel has been impounded and the master is being questioned by police.
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