Seven people are missing after their sailboat sank off the coast of Sicily on Monday, Italian media reported, citing coast guards. 

The incident happened early Monday morning off Porticello, near Palermo, after a tornado hit the area. Fifteen other people were rescued.

According to Italian media, the 50-meter-long boat flew the British flag, and four Britons, two Americans and one Canadian are missing.

Divers from the fire department are searching around the vessel, which is currently at a depth of around 50 meters and half a mile (about 800 meters) off the coast.

(With input from agencies)