FIUMICINO -- A boat carrying six people sunk in the open water near Fiumicino during the traditional procession at sea for the day of the Assumption, with all the passengers ending up in the water, Il Messaggero newspaper reports.

 Four women and two men fell into the water, who are all from the same family. They were shortly rescued by a patrol boat for the Italian Coast Guard.

 Only one of the six people who fell into the water was taken to hospital at Ostia, but their conditions are reportedly not serious. The other five came away from the incident unharmed.

 The incident took place on Monday evening at around 7 p.m. when the naval procession led by a fishing boat set off along the river and passed the mouth of the channel port for the traditional throwing of the wreath into the water in honour of all those who have drowned at sea.

 The procession was made up of many boats, and unlike previous years, was able to host more spectators this time thanks to concessions made by the Harbour Master’s Office. Although still in compliance with safety standards, the different boats making up the procession all carried more people in comparison with previous years.

  According to Il Messaggero newspaper, it is not clear exactly what happened which led to the six people falling into the sea. However, a speed boat which was roughly 500 metres from the seashore, reportedly waiting for the arrival of the fishing boat “Nonno Circo,” began to take to the water and the people on board ended up in the sea.

 The condition of the person who was taken to hospital reportedly “does not raise concerns,” according to Il Messaggero.

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