An Italian cruise ship from the same fleet as the tragedy-struck Costa Concordia is adrift off the Seychelles with more than 1,000 people on board following a fire, Italy's coast guard said on Monday.

The coast guard said in a statement that it had contacted local authorities in the Seychelles, adding that the accident happened near Alphonse Island some 200 nautical miles from the Indian Ocean archipelago.

Cargo ships in the area have also been alerted to come to the rescue.

The coast guard said all passengers and crew on the Costa Allegra were "in good health and were informed promptly of the situation."

The fire broke out near the ship's generators and has now been put out.

"The Costa Allegra's engines are out but its communications are working," it said.