A high-speed ferry carrying about 150 commuters collided with a merchant ship off the coast of Sicily yesterday, killing at least two people and injuring some 20 others, Italian authorities said.

Italian port authorities said the collision took place at the entrance of the port of Messina on the straits between Sicily and the Italian mainland.

Officials coordinating the operation said two dead were crew members aboard the ferry, which was travelling from the city of Reggio Calabria on the mainland to Messina in Sicily on a regular commuter run.

The collision took place in a narrow section of the straits at about 1715 GMT. The straits range in width from three kilometres to 16 kilometres.

Rescue boats from both sides of the straits and guided by helicopters took the injured to hospitals in Reggio Calabria and Messina.

Port officials said the merchant was flying a flag of Antigua.

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