MSC Cruises has confirmed that the MSC Splendida has left the port of La Goulette, Tunis, earlier today. Media reports claim that a number of passengers are missing from the ship following a terror attack ashore.

The MSC Splendida received authorisation to leave the port of La Goulette and is heading, as originally scheduled, to Barcelona where it is currently expected to arrive on Friday.

MSC Cruises is present on site with its crisis team in order to continue to provide key assistance on the ground to MSC Splendida’s guests who were involved in the tragic events and needing assistance, according to a statement from the cruise line.

MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, will be arriving in Tunis on Thursday in order to make a close assessment of the situation and help provide assistance to those affected by these tragic events and their relatives and consult with local authorities.