By
Cherie Rowlands |
Costa Cruises issued a written statement on 19 October covering findings at both the Concordia pre-trial hearing and debate on the report drawn up by a panel of court-appointed experts.
Identified as the ‘damaged party’ at the hearing, which is nearing its end in Grosseto, Italy, the cruise line has outlined findings on the crisis unit, crew, safety procedures, ship and the route taken by the vessel on the evening of 13 January, when the tragedy occurred.
Despite being assembled promptly, the crisis unit was unable to provide the support needed to the ship due to the speed at which the vessel sank, although logistical support was given to passengers and crew ashore. Existing law states that it is the role of the crisis unit to provide support in emergency situations, but that the safety of passengers onboard is the role of the captain.
Costa Cruises said: “Any decision to ensure the safety of the persons on board or the ship falls under the captain’s sole responsibility, since he is the person who is most aware of the situation on board and cannot abdicate his responsibilities.” Further, it is the captain’s sole responsibility to notify the authorities of any accident that may jeopardise the safety of the ship, while the master's duty is to inform the company.
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The master and the company have the duty to remain at the disposal of the authorities and offer their full cooperation,” Costa Cruises said.
The captain’s delay both in sounding the general alarm and deciding to abandon ship contributed to the difficulties encountered during the evacuation process. The company said that the moment the order to abandon the ship was given, the ship was evacuated rapidly assisted mainly by the crew, who worked under difficult conditions because the ship’s list made it very challenging to carry out operations as provided by planned procedures.”
In regard to the route taken by the Costa Concordia on the night it sank, notification obligation lies with the master of the ship. “Neither the port authorities or the company were informed of the variation of the route,” the cruise line said.
Additionally, the ship and its navigation system were found to comply fully with advanced national and international safety standards and had sufficient back up for its navigation instruments to ensure they continued functioning properly in the event of navigation failure. The Costa Concordia had all the main legislative certifications in place upon her departure from Civitavecchia, while onboard safety procedures were also proved to be adequate, and complied with all existing laws and regulations.
Concluding its written statement, the company said: “While we will never forget the tragic events and deaths that took place, Costa Cruises has only one aim – to understand what happened that night and what caused this tragic accident. Once the facts have been fully ascertained, the future of the company will be based on sound foundations always operating in full compliance with laws and regulations, environmental principles, and the society where we operate.”