This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2005, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
PALERMO, Sicily - A Tunisian airliner that reportedly lost engine power Saturday plunged into the choppy Mediterranean while trying to make an emergency landing in Sicily, and at least 13 people were killed, officials said. At least three of the 39 people on board were missing.
Some of the 23 survivors clung to the wings and fuselage of the Tuninter airline ATR-72 as they screamed to rescuers. The wreckage was battered by 10-foot waves and strong currents, delaying rescuers' arrival.
''Some people were on the wing, screaming, yelling for help,'' said Filippo Morgante, an official with the Palermo fire department, which sent boats out for the rescue.
''Others were on the fuselage, and some were trapped inside the plane. Some weren't wearing life jackets. Maybe they didn't have the time to put them on.''
