How Did Cruise Ship Sink?

By Michael Ferguson

The tragic sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise ship on 13 January 2012 in the Mediterranean Sea remains etched in many people’s minds. The accident, which happened off the coast of Giglio Island, Italy, killed 32 people and injured many more.

It was one of the most devastating maritime disasters since the Titanic sank in 1912. But how did this luxury cruise ship sink?

The cause of the Costa Concordia tragedy was human error. The vessel was sailing too close to shore when it collided with a submerged rock outcrop, causing major damage to its hull.

The impact ripped a huge hole in its starboard side, which led to flooding as water rushed into the ship. As a result, it listed heavily to one side and eventually capsized.

At the time of the accident, there were 4,252 passengers and crew aboard the vessel. Most were evacuated safely by lifeboats and helicopters but 32 people lost their lives due to inadequate safety measures and delayed evacuation procedures.

It later emerged that Captain Francesco Schettino had been deviating from his intended route for several minutes before striking the rock formation. He had allegedly taken an ‘unofficial’ detour close to Giglio Island so that passengers could get a better view of its coastline.

Schettino was convicted of multiple manslaughter charges and sentenced to 16 years in prison for his role in causing the disaster. He was also found guilty of abandoning his post before all passengers were evacuated safely.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, human error was to blame for the sinking of Costa Concordia cruise ship on 13 January 2012 off Giglio Island, Italy. Captain Francesco Schettino had taken an ‘unofficial’ detour too close to shore which resulted in collision with a submerged rock outcrop and consequent flooding that caused it to list heavily and capsize. This negligence led to 32 deaths due to inadequate safety measures and delayed evacuation procedures; Schettino was subsequently convicted for multiple manslaughter charges as well as abandoning his post before all passengers were evacuated safely.