Costa Concordia Removal to Take Longer Than Originally Planned
By Theresa Norton Masek
August 15, 2012 11:14 AM
Costa Cruises said the Costa Concordia salvage operation will take longer than first planned. Originally, the company and its salvage contractors thought the ship, still resting off the Italian island of Giglio, would be refloated in January, but now the estimate is March or April. Once floated, the wreck will be towed to an Italian port.
“The companies engaged in the salvage operation believe the new schedule is a realistic estimate, and all partners are committed to maximizing efficiency while maintaining the same high level of safety and environmental protection,” a Costa statement said. Thirty-two people died after the ship ran aground and capsized on Jan. 13. The Italian line said the removal process requires constant testing to make sure the hull remains in one piece and does not damage the environment.
