Costa Concordia

February 22, 2012 – 8 more bodies have been recovered today from the Costa Concordia wreck. They were all found together in an enclosed area of Deck 4, the same deck that houses the muster stations. 4 of the bodies have now been removed from the vessel, but the other 4 should be removed Thursday. One of the bodies recovered is that of a 5 year old girl who was traveling with her father and partner. The discovery of these new bodies now bring the death toll to 25.

February 19, 2012 – The following is an updated statement from Costa Cruises regarding the Concordia incident.

Extension of the terms of the proposed compensation during the meeting held yesterday at the headquarters of Confindustria ASTOI Costa Cruises and Trips between representatives of Acu, Adiconsum, Adoc, Adusbef, Altroconsumo, Assoutenti, Assoconsum, consumer, Home, Ctcu Cittadinanzattiva, Federconsumatori, consumers League, Consumer Movement, Movimento Difesa del Cittadino and National Consumers Union, there has been a need for a more adequate term for the better management of all cases connected with wreck of the Costa Concordia and covered by agreement with consumer associations on January 27, 2012.
The proposal was shared by Costa Crociere that, in order to offer its guests a most appropriate time period to consider with due compensation proposal serenity already communicated, has extended to 45 days the deadline for accepting the compensation.

The term was then postponed to March 31, 2012. The extension will have no impact on the process of compensation, but has the sole purpose of facilitating guests and meet the demands expressed by them.

The company confirms that the offered compensation package remains one defined last January 27, which is based on a proposal for clear, effective and easy recovery.

The proposal for compensation apply exclusively to guests who return home after the tragic accident. The victims ‘ families and guests who have suffered injuries, injury, permanent disability, will be managed separately, taking account of their individual situation.

Consumer associations that have acceded to the agreement and that follow and protect the interests of guests are at your disposal for all information relating to claims and the reimbursement arrangements.

Moreover, in order to remain close to the Guests involved in the affair, Costa Cruises confirmed that the February 8, 2012 has begun the specific psychological assistance programme in support of guests who request it, as had been agreed with consumer associations.

Recall that two operational units created specifically by Costa Cruises are handling requests for compensation to ensure maximum timeliness and efficiency.

As already announced, the payments will be credited by the company within seven days of receipt of the acceptance of the proposal. A dedicated e-mail address ([email protected]) and a phone number (848505050) are at your disposal for information and assistance.

February 17, 2012 – An updated statement from Costa Cruises has been released regarding the fuel removal…

The structure of the Commissioner appointed for the emergency to the sinking of the Concordia and Costa Cruises inform that the operations of the fuel levy by the Costa Concordia will continue without interruption from 17 hours of 12 February 2012, according to the plane defined by the technicians of Blacks / Smit Salvage. Since I started the picking up at 7 am today, Feb. 17, 2012, were already emptied a total of 952 cubic meters of fuel four tanks of the ship’s bow. remain to be cleared, a total of 1428 cubic meters of fuel, contained in 13 tanks, of which 576 cubic meters are contained in the tanks of the bow.According to the estimates of technical Blacks / Smit Salvage, if sea conditions continue to be favorable, the picking of fuel still on board the Costa Concordia should be completed in about 3 working weeks.Costa Cruises has always had among its those priorities to ensure maximum safety, minimized environmental impact, environmental protection and economic activities and tourist island of Giglio, all made within a reasonable time. This and other transactions provided on Costa Concordia continues to unfold in maximum cooperation and respect between the company Costa Crociere and the structure of the Commissioner appointed for the emergency to the sinking of the Concordia.

February 13, 2012 – A new statement from Costa Crusies was released today in light of the month anniversary of the Costa Concordia disaster.

One month after the tragic night, everyone at Costa Cruises renews our sincere condolences to the families and friends of our guests and crewmembers who lost their lives in this heartbreaking incident. In the history of our company, these have been our darkest days. We continue to experience sadness and pain. We will never forget those who lost their lives and those who lived through the awful moments at Giglio Island. We are committed to ensuring that nothing like this ever happens again.

February 12, 2012 – The removal of 500,000 gallons of fuel on board the Costa Concordia has resumed again.

February 11, 2012 – New video has recently emerged of the officers and Captain Schetinno on the bridge right after the Concordia collided with rocks off the shore of Giligo Island in Italy.

February 3, 2012 – New statement from Costa Cruises regarding the removal of the Concordia.

Costa Cruises has been active since the first hours after the accident of Costa Concordia to ensure the least possible environmental impact and the preservation of economic activities and tourist of Isola del Giglio. From the outset the activities prepared by the company were constantly shared and approved by the Italian authorities responsible, in a relationship of full, transparent and full cooperation.

After having commissioned the company Smit Salvage BV, a world leader in the sector, for the removal of the fuel load of the Costa Concordia, and have presented a plan for the removal of other potentially polluting substances and materials, ready to be operational weather permitting, Costa Crociere is working with maximum effort and speed even on the ship’s removal plan, aware that it is a priority for the protection of the environment and tourism activities of Isola del Giglio.

The company has set up a technical committee composed of representatives of Costa Cruises, Carnival Corporation plc &, Fincantieri, Rina and industry experts, even in academia, which will operate for the best definition of the plan in co-operation with the competent authorities ordering.

As mentioned in a letter to the prefect Franco Gabrielli, Deputy Commissioner for the Emergency Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises has announced a contract, summoning 10 companies around the world, for the presentation of an operational plan for removing the entire hull of Costa Concordia. 

The invitation was addressed to the largest and most experienced company in the world, able to perform the operation as quickly as possible, ensuring maximum security and the least environmental impact: 1) Smit Salvage BV, Svitzer Salvage BV 2), 3) Mammoet Salvage BV, Salgave, 4) Titan 5) Resolve Marine Group Inc., 6) T&T Marine Salvage Inc., 7) Donjon Marine Inc., Tito Neri S.r.l 8)., 9) Fukada Salvage Marine Works Co. & Ltd., 10) The Nippon Salvage Co. Ltd. 

The plans drawn up must be received by the beginning of March 2012 in Costa Cruises, which will assess them together with the Scientific Committee of civil protection, to get to choose the best plan by the end of March 2012.

The times indicated are the best possible in a situation of this kind, on the understanding that we cannot exclude forward slips, given the complexity of the operation. 

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February 1, 2012 – Italy announced today that they are now ending recovery efforts to find missing passengers and crew on board the Costa Concordia. They have ended the recovery mission after experiencing ongoing dangerous conditions. The official death toll now stands at 17 with the other 16 missing presumed dead.

Manifest of Missing

Dayana Arlotti, William M. Arlotti, and Maria Grazia Trecarichi, from Italy.

Elisabeth Bauer, Christina Mathi Ganz,  Norbert Josef Ganz, Margarethe Neth,  Margrit Schroeter, Siglinde Stumpf, and Brunhild Werp, from Germany.

Michael M. Blemand and Mylene Litzler, from France.

Barbara Heil and Gerald Heil, from the United States.

Girolamo Giuseppe, from Italy, (CREW MEMBER)

Russel Terence Rebello, from India. (CREW MEMBER)

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January 31, 2012 – The death toll currently stands at 17 with 16 still missing. The fuel pumping operation is currently suspended due to unsafe conditions such as winds and waves.

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January 29, 2012 – The death toll currently stands at 17 with 16 still missing. The fuel pumping operation is currently suspended due to unsafe conditions such as winds and waves. It is reported that the ship moved about an inch today.

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11:05am: Another body has been discovered on board the Concordia, bringing the death toll to 17. More details soon.

January 28, 2012
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7:00am – Statement from Costa Cruises regarding Concordia passenger compensation.

It was held yesterday at the headquarters of Confindustria ASTOI Travel, a table of comparison between Costa Cruises and Consumer Associations. The meeting, organized by Confederation of Travel ASTOI of specific assignment of Costa Cruises, attended by representatives of the following members to CNCU Consumer Associations, National Council of Consumers and Users: Acu, Adiconsum, Adoc, Adusbef, Altroconsumo, Assoconsum, Assoutenti, Home Consumer, Cittadinanzattiva Ctcu Federconsumatori, Consumers League, Consumer Movement, Movement of Citizen Defense, the National Consumers Union. Costa Cruises was attended by representatives of the Directorate, for ASTOI Travel Confederation President Roberto Corbella, Director-General and Mr. Flavia Franceschini. Alessio Costantini. The goal shared by all present, was that of conciliation and settlement solutions that aim to better satisfaction of passengers involved in the affair of the Costa Concordia, avoiding time-consuming and often lead to increased expenses related to the eventual establishment of a trial.

The results achieved, the result of consultation with consumer advocacy groups, include:

• a lump sum of 11,000 euros per person in compensation, to cover all financial losses incurred and assets, including those related to the loss of baggage and personal effects, the psychological distress and the damage suffered by holiday ruined;
• a full refund of the value of the cruise, including port taxes;
• reimbursement of transfer planes and buses, including the practice cruise;
• full reimbursement of travel expenses incurred for the return;
• reimbursement of medical expenses incurred;
• reimbursement of expenses incurred during the cruise.

The lump sum agreed upon as compensation is higher than the indemnity limits under international conventions and legislation. This amount will be recognized regardless of age of the passenger, also considering the children, although not paying. Coast also has committed not to infer from this figure, as may be perceived by customers for insurance reimbursements related to insurance policies taken out individually. A family consisting of two persons, in addition to the above, for example, will see to recognize as a lump sum of € 22,000, as well as a family of two adults and two children will come to € 44,000.
Concurrently, the company also will launch the return of all the items remaining in the safes of the cabins, where it is possible to recover.
Also, always with a view to stay close to consumers involved in the affair, Costa Cruises has agreed to initiate a specific program of psychological counseling to all passengers who request them.

The entire proposal is not about the families of the victims and the injured passengers, for which it was necessary to perform medical treatment on site. For them, the compensation will take into account the severity of the damage suffered by individuals.
According to consumer advocacy groups have also established the methods of management practices for compensation, for which, at the headquarters of the Genoa Coast, will set up two task forces dedicated entirely. The credit amounts will be made within 7 days of acceptance of the proposed cost to consumers. Costa Cruises will offer an e-mail ([email protected]) and a number for information (848 505050). All Parties undertake to disseminate through their channels of communication with any information related to the mode of repayment, and, more generally, the agreement and provide the necessary assistance.
E ‘was also agreed that the Company will provide an opportunity to cancel without penalty cruises booked before the traumatic event, on all its routes by February 7.
Associations of consumers will not receive any type of remuneration for all activities related to the agreement.

January 27, 2012

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7:00am: Updated list of passengers missing and deaths.

CONFIRMED DEAD (16)

Sandor Feher, Hungary, 38, crew

Horst Galle, Germany

Jeanne Gannard, France

Pierre Gregoire, France

Egon Hoer, Germany

Giovanni Masia, Italy, 85

Thomas Alberto Costilla Mendoza, Peru, crew

Jean-Pierre Micheaud, France, 61

Francis Servil, France, 71

Guillermo Gual, Spain, 68

Maria Dintrono, Italy, 30

Josef Werp, Germany

Luisa Antonia Virzi, Italy

Three other bodies that have been recovered from the wreckage but not identified.

STILL MISSING

Dayana Arlotti, Italy

William M. Arlotti, Italy

Elisabeth Bauer, Germany

Michael M. Blemand, France

Christina Mathi Ganz, Germany

Norbert Josef Ganz, Germany

Girolamo Giuseppe, Italy, crew

Gabriele Grube, Germany

Barbara Heil, United States

Gerald Heil, United States

Mylene Litzler, France

Margarethe Neth, Germany

Russel Terence Rebello, India, crew

Inge Schall, Germany

Erika Fani Soriamolina, Peru, crew

Siglinde Stumpf, Germany

Brunhild Werp, Germany

Margrit Schroeter, Germany

Maria Grazia Trecarichi, Italy

January 26, 2011

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7:45pm: As of right now there have been no new discoveries of passengers or crew on board or around the Concordia. Today new pictures of the lifeboats from the Concordia have emerged.

Photo credit: Associated Press

January 25, 2012

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2:45pm: Another body has been found on the Concordia. The body was found on Deck 3. More details soon.

7:00am: The fuel salvage operation is now underway.

January 24, 2012

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10:55pm: The fuel on board the Costa Concordia may be pumped out as soon as Tuesday morning.

3:05: 2 more bodies have been discovered today on board the Concordia. Both bodies were identified as women and were both found near the internet cafe. The number of deaths has now reached 15 and the number missing is at 17.

January 23, 2012

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11:00am: Death toll rises to 13 as another woman’s body has been found. Number of people missing now at 19.

January 22, 2o12

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10:45pm: UPDATE: Current death toll: 12 – Number missing: 20.

CURRENT WEBCAM IMAGE FROM GILIGO HARBOR:

10:40am: Captain Schetinno is now denying delaying the abandon ship alarm.

10:15am: A women’s body has been found on board the Costa Concordia this morning, bringing the death toll to 12.

Saturday, January 21, 2012

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New image from divers:

January 20, 2011

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7:30pm: A passenger on the Concordia has been located on land, bringing the number missing to 21.

6:50pm: Costa Cruises now saying it is suing Captain Schetinno, more news to come.

We have recently been getting comments and tweets asking why we have slowed down on updates. Recently, most of the news about the Concordia has been rumor and speculation. We are only reporting facts here. We do not want to speculate and spread rumors. We will post breaking news when it happens. Thanks.

January 19, 2012

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9:15: The list of victims of the Concordia has just been released by Italian Authorities.

Eleven are confirmed dead. They include:

• Sandor Feher, 38 years old of Hungary, a member of the crew
• Five bodies recovered soon after the disaster, identified but not released
• Five bodies not yet identified

The unaccounted list includes five of the dead and 21 missing:

• Dayana Arlotti, Italy
• William M. Arlotti, Italy
• Elisabeth Bauer, Germany
• Michael M. Blemand, France
• Maria Dintrono, Italy
• Horst Galle, Germany
• Jeanne Gannard, France
• Christina Mathi Ganz, Germany
• Norbert Josef Ganz, Germany
• Girolamo Giuseppe, Italy, a member of the crew
• Pierre Gregoire, France
• Gabriele Grube, Germany
• Barbara Heil, United States
• Gerald Heil, United States
• Egon Hoer, Germany
• Mylene Litzler, France
• Margarethe Neth, Germany
• Russel Terence Rebello, India, a member of the crew
• Inge Schall, Germany
• Erika Fani Soriamolina, Peru, a member of the crew
• Siglinde Stumpf, Germany
• Brunhild Werp, Germany
• Josef Werp, Germany
• Margrit Schroeter, Germany
• Maria Grazia Trecarichi, Italy
• Luisa Antonia Virzi, Italy

8:15: Sandor Feher is the first of the victims of the Concordia to be identified. He was a violinist on board and was one of the last crew members on board. He was last seen helping put life vests on children, and then went to go save his violin from his cabin. He was never seen again. The video below is a video of him playing his violin. True talent and a hero.

3:00: New statement from Costa Cruises.

Costa Cruises has made the protection and safeguarding of the environment one of its missions as demonstrated by the most stringent worldwide certifications (UNIEN ISO 14001). Precisely for this reason the Company has realized from the outset the need to promptly address matters relating to the protection of the marine environment. Costa Cruises has therefore already been charged in the hours immediately after the accident the company Smit Salvage BV, world leader in the industry, to create a plan that allows to implement the removal of the fuel load of the Costa Concordia. From the beginning the plan was always shared with the authorities and, thanks to full cooperation with them, will be made enforceable by the end of the week.

1:00: New video from AP showing divers searching inside of Costa Concordia.

Wednesday, January 18, 2011

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9:40: LEAKED – Actual conversation between Capatin Schetinno and Commander De Falco.

5:15pm: Statement from Carnival Corporation’s CEO, Micky Arison.

We are deeply saddened by the reports of additional deaths following the grounding of the Costa Concordia. On behalf of the entire Carnival Corporation & plc team, I offer our heartfelt condolences to all of those families affected by this tragedy.

Our immediate priority continues to be supporting rescue and recovery efforts and looking after our guests and crew members, along with securing the vessel to ensure there is no environmental impact. My senior management team and I have been in continuous contact with the Costa executive team in Italy and we have our senior level technical experts on the ground to provide additional support for this tragic and highly unusual incident.

While this is a terribly sad time for everyone involved, we want to recognize the tremendous efforts of Concordia’s crew, who along with the Italian Coast Guard and authorities, helped to evacuate more than 4,000 passengers and crew members from the ship in very difficult conditions. And we continue to offer our deep gratitude to the Italian authorities for their support and ongoing efforts.

3:45: Today the transcript of the conversation between Concordia’s Captain Schettino and Commander De Falco of the Italian Coast Guard was made public. At the time of this conversation Schettino was in one of the lifeboat’s headed for land.

The audio was first made available on the website of Corriere della Sera, and the Italian coast guard confirmed its authenticity Tuesday to The Associated Press.

—De Falco: “This is De Falco speaking from Livorno. Am I speaking with the commander?”

—Schettino: “Yes. Good evening, Cmdr. De Falco.”

—De Falco: “Please tell me your name.”

—Schettino: “I’m Cmdr. Schettino, commander.”

—De Falco: “Schettino? Listen Schettino. There are people trapped on board. Now you go with your boat under the prow on the starboard side. There is a pilot ladder. You will climb that ladder and go on board. You go on board and then you will tell me how many people there are. Is that clear? I’m recording this conversation, Cmdr. Schettino…”

—Schettino: “Commander, let me tell you one thing…”

—De Falco: “Speak up! Put your hand in front of the microphone and speak more loudly, is that clear?”

—Schettino: “In this moment, the boat is tipping…”

—De Falco: “I understand that, listen, there are people that are coming down the pilot ladder of the prow. You go up that pilot ladder, get on that ship and tell me how many people are still on board. And what they need. Is that clear? You need to tell me if there are children, women or people in need of assistance. And tell me the exact number of each of these categories. Is that clear? Listen Schettino, that you saved yourself from the sea, but I am going to… I’m going to make sure you get in trouble. …I am going to make you pay for this. Go on board, (expletive)!”

—Schettino: “Commander, please…”

—De Falco: “No, please. You now get up and go on board. They are telling me that on board there are still…”

—Schettino: “I am here with the rescue boats, I am here, I am not going anywhere, I am here…”

—De Falco: “What are you doing, commander?”

—Schettino: “I am here to coordinate the rescue…”

—De Falco: “What are you coordinating there? Go on board! Coordinate the rescue from aboard the ship. Are you refusing?”

—Schettino: “No, I am not refusing.”

—De Falco: “Are you refusing to go aboard commander? Can you tell me the reason why you are not going?”

—Schettino: “I am not going because the other lifeboat is stopped.”

—De Falco: “You go aboard. It is an order. Don’t make any more excuses. You have declared ‘abandon ship.’ Now I am in charge. You go on board! Is that clear? Do you hear me? Go, and call me when you are aboard. My air rescue crew is there.”

—Schettino: “Where are your rescuers?”

—De Falco: “My air rescue is on the prow. Go. There are already bodies, Schettino.”

—Schettino: “How many bodies are there?”

—De Falco: “I don’t know. I have heard of one. You are the one who has to tell me how many there are. Christ.”

—Schettino: “But do you realize it is dark and here we can’t see anything…”

—De Falco: “And so what? You want go home, Schettino? It is dark and you want to go home? Get on that prow of the boat using the pilot ladder and tell me what can be done, how many people there are and what their needs are. Now!”

—Schettino: “…I am with my second in command.”

—De Falco: “So both of you go up then … You and your second go on board now. Is that clear?”

—Schettino: “Commander, I want to go on board, but it is simply that the other boat here … there are other rescuers. It has stopped and is waiting…”

—De Falco: “It has been an hour that you have been telling me the same thing. Now, go on board. Go on board! And then tell me immediately how many people there are there.”

—Schettino: “OK, commander”

—De Falco: “Go, immediately!”

11:40: 5 more bodies found, bringing death toll to 11.

January 17,2012

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10:05: New picture of half submerged atrium on board Concordia.

4:35: Italian Coast Guard raises number of people missing to 29 from earlier reports of around 14.

4:10: Stunning new images from the Costa Concordia. Plus, a video of the AIS (radar) playback.

2:50: Here is the transcript from the press conference held earlier today by Costa. The questions are being asked by various reporters and the CEO of Costa Crociere is answering. This transcript may contain errors due to translation.

Can you give us more details on the captain?

The captain started with us in 2002 where he started his career. Prior he was a second captain (staff captain) with another cruise line and then came over to Costa in 2002 as a safety officer. He was promoted to a staff captain and then in 2006 he became a captain at Costa. He has never been involved in any event.

Why does the law require a life boat drill within 24 hours after sailing time and will this be considered in the future?

We are going to review. We comply always with laws. The ship embarks in several ports so the only passengers getting the drill would be those embarking. The passengers not embarking in Civitavecchia (Rome) were repeat passengers and have been briefed on prior cruises. Anybody who embarks has a safety video displayed in their cabin. That is visible to everyone who boards the ship.

Why didn’t crew members interfere with the captains decision?

The captain has final command of the vessel. In this instance the captain went off route and went into water with not enough notice in advance.

Does training include these evacuation circumstances?

There’s no doubt we are geared to safety and security. Every other week all ships do a boat drill and training, the whole crew, to get ready for these circumstances. In our own judgment in this case the crew did very well and we need to thank them. They were able to evacuate in two hours time, four thousand, two hundred people under very severe circumstances. The ship was inclined to us only using one side of the life boats for evacuation. The fact that the ship was listing created a very difficult position. To simulate this type of circumstance is very difficult and we will think about how will improve our training program.

Do you have any hope in find anymore survivors?

Yes, hope is the last thing to die.

What kind of security measures are you going to implement after this incident?

We believe we are responding to not only what the law requires but going way beyond what they require. Also having policies and procedures checked by outside entities to make sure we are safe and secure. I am not in the position today to say if there will be any immediate changes effective today. We do not have all the information to entirely understand the entire timing of the accident because of the information (that’s with) investigators.

There’s a lot of speculation of the captain and his responsibility of the incident but what kind of responsibility does the shipping company have since this happened?

The shipping company, as in our shipping company, is very strict in terms of safety, in terms of security, in terms of training. We provide all kind of support in order to allow all our crew to respect and follow to the most the stringent regulations. The captains responsibility is being indicated by the prosecutors because of the human error that was under the control of the captain.

How many liters of fuels were on the ship, which kind and how much?

There’s 2,300-tons between heavy fuel (the ship uses) and also a reasonable quantity of gas-oil for other uses on the ship. Fuel is not near any of the water, however its near a sea that we need to protect.

Did the captain abandon ship?

We are unable to assertain that question until the close of the investigation. Some testimony says he really tried to stay on-board but we have to wait for the formal investigation.

How far from the shore was the vessel when it hit the rock?

We do not have the data to know exactly, but we believe it was about 150 meters from the meter.

How many people remain missing?

There are still some crew and guests missing. The number is changing and the authorities will release this information.

Can you give me the details of the navigation equipment on the bridge?

This ship is a certified ship. It was build and delivered in 2006. It is the most contemporary and navigational system in the world. Before the ship entered service is required strict certification from the Italian and US Coast Guard to make sure we have the highest level in this sense.

Does the ship reply on charts as primary navigation source or rely on GPS?

We use computerized maps which are in constant connection with the GPS.

Who was manning the bridge on the incident?

There was three people on the bridge, the captain and his assistants.

Is the Costa Concordia a total loss?

It’s too early to comment if we can save the ship or not.

How much is the cost of this incident and will it affect the industry?

The cost of this incident is expected to be around $93-million. There will be some impact on the company as well. There will be a little downtown in the industry, the industry is extremely safe and the consumer knows that and is very confident.

Have there been many cancellations since the event?

There really hasn’t been enough time to tell since the weekend is very slow for booking. We will know more at the end of today.

What will Costa do to restore public confidence?

The company has been sailing for over 60-years, the management of the ships, the loyalty of the customers, I’m sure Costa will emerge as strong as it was before the incident.

Do you have any explanation on why the captain changed the ships course?

Yes, he wanted to show the ship to the nearby island and pass in front of the little city.

Should the on-board navigation system sound an alarm or is there sonar about the dangers of running aground?

Id like to repeat that we have visual and sound if the ship deviates by any reason from the stated route stored in the computer controlled by the GPS. Of course it can be manually over-ridden. This was a particular incident. There was a lot of water under the bridge but some small rocks where the captain decided to change the course of the ship.

Is it possible to get a time-line?

We are unable to give this information because all the info is stored in the black box which is in the hands of the prosecutor. The captain did call our department at 10:05pm on Friday night.

What caused the black-out on the ship?

Water intake from hitting the rock caused shortages.

Will there be baggage compensation?

Passengers need be assured that we will take care of them.

Passengers stated that some lifeboats were not functioning?

I was not aware of any lifeboats not working. All of them were efficient and worked. The crew performed duties according to procedures.

How many passengers got on in Civitavecchia (Rome)?

696 and 3,206 were aboard at the time of incident.

(1/16/12) 9:25am: Death toll rises to 6, search is suspended. The Concordia is now sliding in to the ocean and will most likely fully sink.

10:15pm: As of right now, there is no new news on Concordia, more will most likely come in tomorrow. We will continue updating tomorrow morning unless there is breaking news. Thank you for your continued support.

5:25pm: Another statement from Costa Cruises.

“We at Costa Cruises are deeply saddened by this tragedy, and our hearts and prayers go out to everyone affected.

Over the past 48 hours, more than 1,100 Costa employees have been working tirelessly in the wake of this terrible event. We are working closely with the authorities to support ongoing search-and-rescue operations, and are focusing on ensuring that all guests and crewmembers return home safely.

Our immediate priority is to account for all passengers and crew, and to secure the vessel to ensure that there are no environmental impacts. We have engaged the services of a top specialized salvage company to develop an action plan and help establish a protection perimeter around the ship. It should be noted that the Prosecutor has seized the ship and the DVR — the so-called “black box” containing all navigation data — and the vessel can be accessed by Costa only with permission from the authorities.

We are working with investigators to find out precisely what went wrong aboard the Costa Concordia. While the investigation is ongoing, preliminary indications are that there may have been significant human error on the part of the ship’s master, Captain Francesco Schettino, which resulted in these grave consequences. The route of the vessel appears to have been too close to the shore, and in handling the emergency the captain appears not to have followed standard Costa procedures. We are aware that the lead Prosecutor has leveled serious accusations against the ship’s captain, who joinedCosta Crociere in 2002 as a safety officer and was appointed captain in 2006.

In light of these accusations and the continuing investigation, it would be inappropriate for us to comment further at this time.

As we are learning more about the event and the evacuation, however, it is becoming clear that the crew of the Costa Concordia acted bravely and swiftly to help evacuate more than 4,000 individuals during a very challenging situation. We are very grateful for all they have done.

Costa is committed to ensuring that no such incident ever occurs again. Our number-one priority is always the safety and security of our guests and crew, and we comply with all safety regulations. (See background on Costa safety below).

Background on Costa’s Commitment to Safety
Costa complies very strictly with all safety regulations and our personnel are committed, first and foremost, to guest safety and security.

All crewmembers hold a BST (Basic Safety Training) certificate and are trained and prepared in emergency management and to assist passengers abandoning the ship with numerous drills. Roles, responsibilities and duties are clearly assigned to all crewmembers. Every two weeks all crewmembers perform a ship evacuation simulation. A lifeboat and evacuation drill for all guests is conducted within 24 hours of embarking, as required by law. Costa has a computerized system that ensures all passengers undergo this drill.

The skills of Costa crew are periodically tested by Coast Guard authorities and an independent classification organization, per SMS (Safety Management Systems) requirements.

There are lifeboats and jackets on board in excess of the number required for all passengers and crew. Lifeboats are equipped with food and water supplies, first-aid kits and communication and signaling equipment. All life-saving appliances meet international standards and are subject to close, regular inspection by shipboard personnel and certification authorities. All Costa ships are certified by RINA and have been built to the highest standards and technologies.

3:00: New statement from Costa Cruises.

Costa Cruises reaffirms its deepest sorrow for this terrible incident that has struck his loved ones: his guests, its employees, its own vessel, apologized for the suffering and discomfort that these people have suffered and extends more condolences to the families of victims found.

Approximately 1,100 people of Costa Cruises all over the world are working on the evening of Friday in the management of this terrible accident and their priority was to support the rescue operations, assisting guests and crew and bring them safely to their residence.

The search and rescue operations are still being coordinated by the Coast Guard and the Italian authorities. We confirm that unfortunately there are still the missing and, since the situation is constantly changing, we are not allowed to provide data.

The Captain Francesco Schettino, who was in command of the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises has entered into in 2002 as a security officer and promoted commander in 2006, after being second in command. Like all commanders of the fleet, he has participated in a continuous program of upgrading and training and has passed all the tests of suitability provided.

As previously announced, the Judiciary, with which Costa Cruises is working, the detaining of the Commander, to which serious allegations have been made. It seems that the commander has made an error of judgment who have had serious consequences: the route followed by the ship was too close to the coast, and it seems that its decisions in emergency management have not followed the procedures that are in line Costa Cruises and, in some cases go beyond international standards.

Costa Cruises is operating in full compliance with all rules relating to safety and is proud of the commitment of its employees dedicated to managing the safety of our guests.

All crew members have a certificate BST (Basic Safety Training), are educated and trained in the management of emergencies and to assist guests in case of abandon ship through numerous exercises. Roles, responsibilities and tasks are clearly defined and assigned to help manage a situation so important.

All crew members make one abandon ship drill every two weeks. For all guests on the cruise is scheduled exercise within 24 hours after the day of embarkation, as required by law. Costa Cruises has a computerized system that makes sure that all guests have participated in the exercise, and consequently put a remedy.

The preparation of the crew members is periodically checked by Costa Cruises Coast Guard and the independent rating agencies in line with respect to the requirements specified in the SMS (Safety Management Systems).

On board the Costa Concordia and Costa ships are all available life jackets, rafts and boats greater than the maximum number of persons that can be hosted by the ship. The spears are safety equipment, such as water supplies and food, medicine boxes and tools for reporting and communication, which allow you to safely wait for the arrival of relief. The spears are also the subject of careful periodic checks by the ship’s personnel and certification bodies. All Costa Cruises ships are certified by RINA and are built to the highest standards and technologies.

Following the accident, Costa Cruises has responded immediately to prevent a potential environmental impact and since Saturday is using the world’s leading companies in the industry, & Smit Salvage, which is developing a plan of action, immediate action short term is to build a containment barrier around the hull.

The Judiciary has submitted to seize the ship and the VDR – the so-called “black box”. Costa Cruises can then access the ship only with the permission of authorities .

2:55: More voices heard from inside the ship, hopefully new (and good) updates soon.

2:30: A 3rd person has been rescued from the Concordia. Manrico Giampedroni was the cabin service director. He got trapped inside after he was helping passengers escape, when suddenly the ship listed very hard and trapped him inside a half submerged restaurant. He waited there for over 48 hours.

Also, new pictures have emerged from divers who took pictures underneath the ship.

2:00pm: There are now reports that the captain was spotted on land during the evacuation, and was urged to return, but instead fled the evacuation scene.

12:20pm: Concordia is unrecoverable according to industry experts. Story HERE

I will be away from pc for about 2 hours, stay tuned to our Twitter HERE for latest.

10:30am: 2 bodies of passengers have been found on the Costa Concordia, this now brings the death toll to 5.

9:45am: A passenger who was on the Concordia has now confirmed to local authorities that the captain did leave the ship very early, way before passengers and crew were fully evacuated. The captain told local media this morning that he was the last person off of the ship.

9:00am: 3rd person found alive on Concordia, and the official missing number has been lowered to 17, with 6 crew and 11 passengers still missing.

12:00am: We will continue to update early tomorrow morning. (EST) Thank you for reading, and please continue to pray for the guests and crew of the Costa Concordia.

11:45pm: New video emerges from Concordia showing lifeboats being lowered and more…

10:00pm: As of right now the death toll is officially at 3, and the number of missing people vary between 30-70 people.

9:40pm: At this time their is no new information. Please check back every houror so.

8:50pm: The 2 people that were found inside Concordia are now off the vessel and on shore.

8:40pm: The Peruvian consul in Florence, Manuel Veramendi, confirmed that Tomas Alberto Mendoza Costilla is the Peruvian crew member who died drowned as a result of the recent sinking of the cruise ship Costa Concordia, off the Italian island of Giglio.

This story was spotted by: @lma89

This story comes from: ANDINA

8:00pm: The 2 passengers that were found inside a cabin are reported to be in good health, no word yet on if they have escaped.

7:15pm: Captain being arrested earlier today on charges of manslaughter and abandoning the ship early…

7:13 pm Update: The 2 people found alive have been reached by firemen, awaiting confirmation of their safety.

6:55pm Update: Breaking News: 2 a

6:50pm Update: BREAKING NEWS: 2 people found alive inside the Costa Concordia, more details to come.

6:20pm Update: The following is from a crew member that worked on board the Costa Concordia…

The captain was seen fleeing ship with the money. Wouldn’t allow staff to abandon ship because it would harm his career. Crew had to arrange the evacuation themselves, hence confusion.

5:00 pm Update: We may have some very important news within the next hour, so stay tuned.

4:18pm Update: The underwater search of the inside of Concordia has been suspended due to darkness. More details soon.

4:15 pm Update: The number of passengers missing has been brought down to 40

4:00 pm Update: Captain claims, “Reefs not marked on map.”

3:40 pm Update: The following video is from Sky News…

2:45pm Update: According to various sources, another crew member has been arrested along with the captain. Another report we are getting now is that the ship was about 2.5 miles off course when it struck the boulder/rocks.

2:00pm UPDATE: The captain of the Costa Concordia has been arrested on charges of manslaughter and abandoning the ship.

12:10PM UPDATE: AT THIS TIME WE HAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION TO REPORT ON, PLEASE STAY POSTED AND CHECK BACK EVERY FEW HOURS FOR ANY NEW UPDATES.

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10:55 am UPDATE: Divers are now searching the bottom decks of the Costa Concordia in search of passengers, dead or hopefully alive. -BBC NEWS

10:50 AM UPDATE: THIS JUST IN – NEW STATEMENT FROM COSTA CRUISES.

The incident occurred last night in Costa Concordia is a tragedy that deeply affects our company.
Our first thoughts go to all the victims and express our condolences and our proximity to their families and friends.
We are close to the people who were injured and We follow carefully their course.
All our efforts are now concentrated in offering assistance to guests and crew who were aboard the ship, to bring them back home as soon as possible.
The customer service of Costa Cruises has already made contact by telephone with all the guests who were to board the ship today and tomorrow in Savona in subsequent ports in the program of the cruise. At the moment there is no change in the flight schedule of all the other ships in the fleet of Costa Cruises.
Anyone wanting information can, however, as always, refer to the number 848.50.50.50.
All men and women of Costa Cruise thank you from the most bottom of my heart the Coast Guard and the forces it coordinates, including the authorities and citizens of the island of Giglio and its citizens and the authorities of Porto Santo Stefano, who spared no effort in the rescue and assistance to guests and crew.Also thank all medical personnel who served and is assisting the wounded and all those who need support.
The company has already made available to competent authorities for the incident investigations initiated

9:35 AM UPDATE: DIVERS ARE EXPECTED TO ENTER THE COSTA CONCORDIA FROM UNDERNEATH THE WATER TO CONTINUE SEARCHING FOR PASSENGERS. THESE MISSIONS ARE EXPECTED TO CONTINUE FOR 2-3 DAYS. THE SHIP IS NOW EXPECTED TO SINK ANOTHER 230 FEET. THE CAPTAIN OF THE SHIP IS CURRENTLY BEING QUESTIONED IN GIGLIO. WE WILL KEEP YOU UPDATED ON THESE NEW DEVELOPING DETAILS.

8:35AM UPDATE: NEW VIDEO EMERGED OF COSTA CONCORDIA ON HER SIDE…

(FROM ilmattinodinapoli ON YOU TUBE.)

8:05AM UPDATE: WE HAVE NOW LEARNED FROM A PASSENGER ON BOARD THE COSTA CONCORDIA LAST NIGHT, THAT THE CREW AND CAPTAIN DIDN’T WAN’T TO EVACUATE THE SHIP. SHE SAYS THAT THE CREW AND CAPTAIN KEPT TELLING THEM THAT EVERYTHING IS OK, WE ARE FINE. SHE ALSO CLAIMS THAT THE CREW DIDN’T DO ENOUGH TO INFORM THE PASSENGERS ON PROPER EVACUATION PROCEDURES, AND THAT THE FATALITIES COULD HAVE BEEN AVOIDED IF THE CREW HAD DONE A BETTER JOB EVACUATING.

7:55am UPDATE: AT LEAST 3 ARE NOW CONFIRMED DEAD, AND 69 ARE STILL REPORTED MISSING.

7:20AM UPDATE: AS IT TURNS INTO DAY IN ITALY, WE ARE HOPING MORE IMAGES AND NEWS WILL EMERGE FROM ITALY REGARDING THE COSTA CONCORDIA AND HERE CREW AND GUESTS. AT THIS TIME THE NUMBER OF DEATHS IS UNKNOWN. THIS IS THE LATEST PICTURE FROM THE SCENE…

1:12AM UPDATE: FIRST IMAGE OF COSTA CONCORDIA CAPSIZED.

12:55AM UPDATE: AS OF RIGHT NOW, WE HAVE NO FURTHER INFORMATION TO REPORT. WE WILL CONTINUE REPORTING TOMORROW MORNING STARTING AT 7:00AM EST. IF ANYTHING HAPPENS BEFORE THAT TIME, WE WILL BE HERE TO REPORT IT.

12:30AM UPDATE: 8 PEOPLE HAVE NOW BEEN FOUND DEAD. WE ARE CURRENTLY AWAITING WORD ON THE STATUS OF THE EMERGENCY RESCUE OPERATION.

12:05AM UPDATE: COSTA CLAIMS THAT THEY ARE IN THE FINAL STAGES OF THEIR RESCUE EFFORTS. PLEASE CONTINUE TO KEEP THE REMAINING PEOPLE ON BOARD IN YOUR PRAYERS.

11:55 UPDATE: IT IS NOW KNOWN THAT WHATEVER THE COSTA CONCORDIA HIT TONIGHT, IT RIPPED A GASH IN THE SIDE OF THE SHIP MEASURING 165 FEET ACROSS ON THE LEFT SIDE, THE RESCUE OPERATION IS STILL UNDERWAY.

11:30PM UPDATE: COSTA HAS ISSUED THE FOLLOWING STATEMENT ON THEIR ITALIAN WEBSITE…

“It ‘a tragedy that deeply affects our company. Our first thoughts are with the victims, and we want to express our condolences and our closeness to their family and friends. Right now all our efforts are concentrated in the last emergency operations, as well as offering assistance to guests and crew who were aboard the ship, to bring them back home as soon as possible. Emergency procedures were immediately taken to evacuate the ship. The slope, which gradually took over the ship made the evacuation extremely difficult. We wish to express profound and heartfelt thanks to the Coast Guard and the forces it coordinates, including the authorities and citizens of the island of Giglio, who has been provided in the rescue and assistance to guests and crew. The company will work with the highest availability with the relevant authorities to verify the causes of the event. ”

11:20pm UPDATE: 50 PEOPLE ARE LEFT ON BOARD THE COSTA CONCORDIA AND ARE NOW BEING RESCUED BY HELICOPTER, WE WILL UPDATE IN A FEW MINUTES WITH MORE DETAILS!

10:55pm UPDATE: THE COSTA CONCORDIA HAS NOW ROLLED ONTO HER SIDE. THE COSTA CONCORDIA HAS CAPSIZED.

10:50pm NEW PICTURE FROM INSIDE LIFEBOAT

Picture by: Peter Honvehlmann / EPA

10:30 PM UPDATE: THE ITALIAN COAST GUARD HAS NOW CONFIRMED AT LEAST 3 DEATHS AFTER RETRIEVING 3 BODIES FROM THE MEDITERRANEAN SEA.

10:15PM UPDATE: IT IS NOW REPORTED THAT AT LEAST BETWEEN 200 AND 300 PASSENGERS ARE STILL STRANDED ON BOARD THE COSTA CONCORDIA. THE MAYOR OF GILIGO HAS SAID THAT HE FEARS THE DEATH TOLL WILL RISE AS IT BECOMING HARDER TO RESCUE THOSE STILL ON BOARD THE VESSEL. SOME OF THE PASSENGERS STILL ON BOARD ARE REPORTED TO BE DISABLED. AN OFFICIAL CAUSE TO THIS INCIDENT IS STILL TO BE CONFIRMED. WE WILL CONTINUE TO UPDATE THROUGHOUT THE NIGHT.

9:30 PM UPDATE: THERE ARE UNCONFIRMED REPORTS FROM THE LOCAL MEDIA IN ITALY THAT THE DEATH TOLL HAS NOW RISEN TO 8 PEOPLE, AND THAT DISABLED PASSENGERS ARE TRAPPED ON BOARD THE SHIP.

(Pictures from http://guardala.tv/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/Costa-Concordia-Giglio-Avaria.jpg)

9:00 pm UPDATE: At this time the rescue mission is about over. Passengers are arriving at the island of Giligo, and the mayor has issued a state of emergency. The city is currently trying to put passengers up in any vacant schools, hospitals, or hotels. Costa Cruises has not announced what the cause of this incident was yet, but they say the evacuation was done quickly. The current death toll is unknown whether it is 2 or 3 passengers dead, after they jumped off of the ship. When the ship first listed it began to take on water and the electricity went out. This is all that is known as of right now, I will continue the updates as needed throughout the night.

8:40 pm UPDATE: There is now 3 dead, as some passengers have jumped off of the Costa Concordia into the ocean. @crusieshipcrew is now reporting that the ship originally hit something else and rammed into the pier to avoid further listing.

HAPPENING NOW: We have just received word from Twitter via @CaptGreybeard that Costa Cruise Line’s Costa Concordia has rammed into the side of the pier near the island of Giligo. Their have so far been 2 confirmed deaths. A statement from Costa Cruises reads…

Costa Cruises confirms that during the evacuation of an emergency, near the island of Giglio, about 3,200 of the approximately 1,000 passengers and crew members on board the Costa Concordia. The evacuation was carried out promptly, but the location of the ship, which become more difficult, is complicating the last landing. At the moment it is not possible to define the causes of the problem occurred. ‘S company is working with the utmost care to give maximum support.

Costa Concordia was making a cruise in the Mediterranean from Civitavecchia with stops planned game in Savona, Marseille, Barcelona, Palma de Mallorca, Cagliari, Palermo. On board there were about 1,000 passengers of nationality ‘Italian, more than 500 Germans, about 160 French and 1,000 crew members.