Italian news agency ANSA said the Georgian-registered cement bulk carrier Margaret, measuring 84 metres (280 feet) in length, had taken refuge in La Spezia as the weather deteriorated.

It had earlier left Genoa, to the north, heading to Varna, in Bulgaria. It carried no cargo but its fuel tanks held 13,000 litres of diesel.

ANSA said the ship had dragged its anchor amid strong winds and high seas and was thrown against the jetty. The 13 crew members, some of whom had thrown themselves into the sea as the vessel took on water, were rescued by helicopter or coastguard boats.

A pollution alert was raised and two specially-equipped boats were trying to contain the spill, the report added.

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