Rescuers searching for those still missing from the Costa Concordia cruise liner that capsized after crashing into rocks in Italy have begun using explosives to blast holes in the vessel.

The Italian cruise liner, carrying over 4,000 passengers and crew, ran aground just off Giglio Island in Italy late on Friday night - leaving at least six dead and 29 still missing.

Bethany Bell said the controlled explosions are to help the rescue workers get into parts of the ship that are difficult to access.