Prosecutors arrest captain of stricken vessel

Prosecutors in Italy have arrested the captain of the stricken cruise liner on suspicion of multiple manslaughter.

The first officer is also being questioned over claims they both abandoned the ship while passengers were still in danger.

Three people are known to have died after the Costa Concordia struck a rock off Tuscany and partially submerged.

Up to 40 passengers are still unaccounted for, but Ireland's Department of Foreign Affairs has said an Irish couple who were onboard are safe.

The couple – Seamus and Carol Moore from Clonmel, Co Tipperary – took the cruise to celebrate a birthday.

“The staff did their best to advise us in terms of going out one by one but of course there was total panic, so there was a melee and people clambering over other people rather than just taking their time,” said Mr Moore.

“Eventually everybody got out or was got out. I had to climb out and get on top of the lifeboat and from there had to climb onto what was the lifeboat deck and at that stage the ship was listing very badly so we were advised to move to the front of the ship, which we did, lights were going on and off.”

Retired Mr Moore said he thought he and his wife were going to die.

“Older people found it very difficult,” he told broadcaster RTE.

“They couldn’t keep their footing and slipped.”

Gianni Onorato, the President of Costa Cruises, said in a statement on the company website: “I want to express our deep sorrow for this terrible tragedy that devastates us."