Cruise liner relatives cling on to hope
- 12 years ago
Two French couples are escorted into a special room set up on the Italian island of Giglio for friends and relatives of Costa Concordia victims.
At least 11 people died when the massive cruise liner struck a rock just off shore one week ago, tearing a gash in the hull and causing it to capsize.
As many as 24 people are still unaccounted for, though hopes of finding anyone alive have all but disappeared.
This woman is seeking news of her 5-year-old daughter, who was reportedly on the ship with her father. Both are listed as missing.
Rescue teams and media have overrun the small island, which would normally be closed at this time of year.
But most businesses have reopened to cater for the survivors, security teams, fire fighters, and journalists camped out there.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) GIGLIO ISLAND SHOP OWNER, ANTONIA ROM, SAYING:
"We have re-opened all the shops and all the cafes and bars are open too. Earlier there was only one place that was open but now all the bars and restaurants are open because there are so many people on the island and they need help so we are prepared to help everyone."
Attention is now focused on how to remove the more than 2,300 tonnes of fuel aboard the vessel, as worries mount that the ship could slide off its resting place.
The captain of the Costa Concordia has been placed under house arrest, accused of causing the disaster by steering too close to the Tuscan island, and then abandoning ship.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.
At least 11 people died when the massive cruise liner struck a rock just off shore one week ago, tearing a gash in the hull and causing it to capsize.
As many as 24 people are still unaccounted for, though hopes of finding anyone alive have all but disappeared.
This woman is seeking news of her 5-year-old daughter, who was reportedly on the ship with her father. Both are listed as missing.
Rescue teams and media have overrun the small island, which would normally be closed at this time of year.
But most businesses have reopened to cater for the survivors, security teams, fire fighters, and journalists camped out there.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) GIGLIO ISLAND SHOP OWNER, ANTONIA ROM, SAYING:
"We have re-opened all the shops and all the cafes and bars are open too. Earlier there was only one place that was open but now all the bars and restaurants are open because there are so many people on the island and they need help so we are prepared to help everyone."
Attention is now focused on how to remove the more than 2,300 tonnes of fuel aboard the vessel, as worries mount that the ship could slide off its resting place.
The captain of the Costa Concordia has been placed under house arrest, accused of causing the disaster by steering too close to the Tuscan island, and then abandoning ship.
Nick Rowlands, Reuters.