In January 2012, the Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground off the coast of Isola del Giglio, an island in the Tuscan Archipelago. The tragedy was one of the most devastating maritime accidents in recent Italian history, resulting in 32 deaths and hundreds of injuries, as well as serious environmental damage.
On the night of January 13th, the Costa Concordia left its port in Civitavecchia for a seven-day Mediterranean cruise. The vessel was carrying 4,229 passengers and crew members when it hit a submerged reef close to Isola del Giglio. The impact caused a large gash on the side of the ship, leaving it partially submerged and listing severely to one side.
The subsequent evacuation operation lasted several hours, during which time many passengers had to jump into the cold sea water in order to reach safety on shore. A complex salvage operation began soon afterwards; however, due to its precarious position and unstable structure, it took over two years for crews to right the vessel and tow it away from Isola del Giglio.
The captain of the Costa Concordia was found guilty of multiple charges related to his role in causing the disaster. He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for manslaughter and abandoning ship during a time of crisis. Other crew members were also charged with failing to properly follow safety protocols.
Conclusion:
The Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground off Isola del Giglio on January 13th 2012, resulting in 32 deaths and hundreds of injuries. After an extensive salvage operation lasting over two years, crews were able to right the vessel and tow it away from its original location. Its captain was found guilty of various charges related to his role in causing the tragedy and sentenced to 16 years in prison.