Catholic seafarers' agency Apostleship of the Sea in Genoa has reported how the archbishop of Genoa, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco visited those retrieving the bodies of those killed in the collision of the ‘Jolly Nero’ on Wednesday to offer his support and prayers.

The container ship crashed into a control tower in the Italian port of Genoa late on Tuesday, causing it to collapse killing seven, with two still missing and several wounded.

Fr Giacomo Martino Consultor of the Pontifical Council for the Apostleship of the Sea in Italy said, 'Archbishop Bagnasco also went to visit those who survived the collision in hospital’.

The Apostleship of the Sea in Genoa with civic authorities organised on Thursday a mass to pray for the deceased. During the day, flags flew at half-mast and shops closed early as residents of the port city mourned those who died.

On Thursday Pope Francis also expressed his sorrow for the accident in a telegram assuring the city of Genoa of fervent prayers for those who were tragically killed in the accident.

For nearly 70 years the Apostleship of the Sea has been providing practical support to seafarers visiting Genoa at their seafarers’ centre.

Apostleship of the Sea provides both practical and spiritual support to seafarers in more than 250 ports around the world. This ranges from providing transport to shops to hospital visiting and mediating in disputes over pay and conditions.