Cruise Ship Capsizes Off Italy

Three dead, thousands rescued.

Three people are confirmed dead after a cruise ship carrying more than 4,000 people ran aground off Italy. There were scenes of panic as the Costa Concordia hit a sandbar on Friday evening near the island of Giglio and listed about 20 degrees. People reached land by lifeboats but some swam ashore. Rescue teams have been going from cabin to cabin, searching for survivors. Italians, Germans, French and British were among the 3,200 passengers. There were also 1,000 crew on board. Helicopters evacuated the last 50 people on the deck who were in a “worsening” situation.

Authorities report a 30-yard gash in the ship’s hull.VIDEO: American passengers made a cell video.