Cruise ships are a popular way to travel, and the industry has been growing for decades. However, cruise ships can be subject to unfortunate events, such as sinking.
While it is rare for a cruise ship to sink, it does occasionally happen. The last time a cruise ship has sunk was in 2012 when the Costa Concordia ran aground off the coast of Italy.
The Sinking of the Costa Concordia
The Costa Concordia was a cruise ship owned by Costa Crociere and operated by Carnival Cruises. On 13 January 2012, while sailing from Civitavecchia to Savona in Italy, the ship ran aground on the Isola del Giglio. The accident caused extensive damage to the starboard side of the hull and resulted in 32 casualties.
Investigation
An investigation into the sinking of the Costa Concordia determined that it was caused by human error. The captain had deviated from his planned course and sailed too close to shore, resulting in the ship striking a reef and taking on water. In addition, it was found that he had delayed ordering an evacuation for almost an hour after impact.
Salvage Operation
In order to salvage what remained of the wreck and prevent further environmental damage, a large-scale salvage operation was launched involving over 500 personnel from 26 countries. The operation lasted over two years and eventually succeeded in righting and salvaging 95% of the wreck.
Conclusion
In conclusion, when was the last time a cruise ship has sunk? The answer is 2012 when the Costa Concordia ran aground off Italy’s coast due to human error resulting in 32 casualties and significant environmental damage. Fortunately, an extensive salvage operation salvaged 95% of what remained of the wreck without any further incidents or injuries.