The Costa Concordia ran aground and capsized near the Italian island of Giglio on late Friday.
According to reports, Italy’s Coast Guard recovered three bodies from the sea and said that at least three more people were feared dead. Dozens were reported as missing on Saturday morning.
In a statement on Saturday, Costa said, "On the basis of the initial evidence — still preliminary — Costa Concordia, under the command of Master Francesco Schettino, was sailing its regularly scheduled itinerary from Civitavecchia to Savona, Italy, when the ship struck a submerged rock.
"Captain Schettino, who was on the bridge at the time, immediately understood the severity of the situation and performed a maneuver intended to protect both guests and crew, and initiated security procedures to prepare for an eventual ship evacuation."
According to reports, Schettino has been arrested.
Costa said in a statement that the evacuation effort was difficult because of the listing of the ship. There are reports of passengers jumping into the sea.
"We are working to fully understand the cause of what occurred," said Costa's parent company, Carnival Corp.
Italy’s Civil Protection Department said on its website that the Concordia was carrying 4228 people, including crew. Costa said about 1,000 Italian passengers were onboard, as well as more than 500 Germans, 250 North Americans, about 160 French and approximately 1,000 crew members.
Carnival Corp. said, “Our thoughts are with the guests and crew of the Costa Concordia. We are keeping them in our hearts in the wake of this very sad event.”
Italy’s Civil Protection Department said passengers who boarded lifeboats reached the coast of Giglio, where medical care was available.
The 114,500-gross-ton Concordia entered service in 2006.
This report was updated on Saturday afternoon with a statement from Costa about the incident, news that 250 North Americans were on the Concordia, and news that the captain was arrested.