Toulon (France), Feb. 14 (Reuters): A Bahamas-registered liner with some 732 passengers on board appealed for assistance early today after losing communications and most of its power in a severe storm, rescue officials said.

The Voyager was battered by force 11 gales and waves of 10-15 metres while en route to Barcelona from Tunisia, French and Spanish officials said.

The British-registered tanker Gimi was diverted to the area after the liner sought help at 0800 GMT, the sea rescue service in the French port of Toulon said. ?The ship is not yet in distress and is trying to continue to Sardinia,? an official from Toulon?s Crossmed centre said.

Spain said tug boats sent from Valencia and Palma de Mallorca to help the Voyager were expected to arrive today.