A German cargoship has run aground off Corsica after missing a turn.

French authorities said the 3,000-dwt Rhodanus (built 1998) got stuck near Bonifacio in the early hours of Sunday morning.

A statement from the Mediterranean maritime prefecture said the vessel did not turn in time and continued towards the coast "despite repeated calls from the Regional Operational Centre for Surveillance and Rescue (CROSS) in Corsica" and Italian authorities for nearly 50 minutes.

Rhodanus' bow aground Photo: Prefecture Maritime de la Mediterranee

No pollution has been reported and the crew of seven is uninjured.

Divers found the ship's bow aground, and it needs to be lightered before a refloating attempt can be made, the French body said.

"All these operations are conducted in close relationship with the shipowner and his insurers," it added.

Rhodanus is carrying steel coils.

The ship is listed as managed by West-Trade Logistic of Germany.