2012-01-17 09:35:42

Hope wanes for shipwreck survivors


Rescue and recovery efforts continue off the coast of Italy, even as hope wavers for the 29 passengers still missing after a cruise ship ran aground and capsized last Friday. Six people are known to have died after the Costa Concordia crashed into rocks off Italy's west coast on Friday night. Concordia's owners have blamed the ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, for the wreck: they say he changed course without authorization, bringing the vessel too close to the shores of Giglio, a tiny island tourist resort off the coast of Tuscany. Schettino, has been detained on suspicion of manslaughter and a judge is due to decide later today whether the 52-year-old should continue to be held. Meanwhile, concern is growing that the ship could cause an ecological catastrophe if it breaks up and sheds its fuel. The Italian government has announced it will declare a state of emergency over the incident, and provide funding to help avert any environmental disaster. Listen RealAudioMP3







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