Three people are missing in Sochi after a powerful winter storm swept in off the Black Sea and severely damaged a port under construction in Russia's Olympic city.

The storm destroyed a pier and washed away construction equipment and materials. A diving boat used in the construction capsized, but was towed ashore in the morning. The three crewmen were not aboard, despite hopes that they were i More..n the boat's hold.

Rescuers began a search for the missing men on Tuesday morning, using a helicopter, tugs and motor boats. Yury Fomin, head of a local rescue center, said the shoreline was also being searched.