A luxury cruise ship Costa Concordia leans on its side after running aground the tiny Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy. Picture:�Gregorio Borgia / AP Source: AP
TWO Australians who were among 70 passengers unaccounted for after a cruise ship ran aground off the Italian coast are safe, a consular official says.
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFAT) said it had confirmed the safety of 21 of the 23 Australians who were aboard the Costa Concordia when it hit a reef near Isola del Giglio late on Friday night (local time).
Consular officials have been unable to contact the remaining two Australians but a DFAT spokesperson said on Sunday that both had made contact with their families.
"Consular officials have not yet spoken to the remaining two Australians, although these two passengers did make contact with family members after they were evacuated from the vessel," the spokesperson said.
"Consular officials are at the mainland reception point for evacuated passengers in Porto Santo Stefano, and the Australian embassy is providing consular assistance to the Australians who were on the ship."
The spokesperson said consular officials in Italy were currently working to determine whether there were any other Australians on board.
Three of the 4,200 passengers and crew have been confirmed dead.
More than 30 were injured, several seriously.
There are still 70 passengers unaccounted for.
Most of the 3,200 passengers and 1,000 crew were quickly evacuated but coast guards struggled to rescue around 200 people stuck on board.
Family and friends of Australians who were travelling on the Costa Concordia who are not able to make direct contact with passengers should contact the DFAT on 1300 555 135.
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