Confusion as numbers don't add up on burning Italian ferry death toll

The death toll on the burning Italian ferry in the Adriatic Sea could rise much higher as confusion arose over the number of people still unaccounted for.

Two seamen taking part in the rescue operation have been killed in a mishap to take the official toll to 12, but the numbers on the passenger manifest have raised more questions.

The Italian navy has claimed to have rescued 427 people and confirmed 10 others on the ferry were killed.

However, the original passenger manifest listed 480 people on board.

It has also been claimed some of the rescued people were not on the manifest, leading to confusion as to how many passengers and crew remain unaccounted for.

Authorities still have no idea how the fire began, but police will begin a thorough investigation when the vessel is towed to port.

Also of concern is the question of why the ship's fire suppression systems did not quench the blaze in its early stages.

Ferries play a vital role in transport and travel in the region.