Seach of Concordia ship called off

Italian emergency officials are ending the search for missing people in the submerged part of the Costa Concordia cruise ship due to the danger to rescue workers.The announcement twas made by Italy's Civil Protection agency. It said in a statement that technical studies indicated the deformed hull of the vessel created too many safety concerns to continue the search within it.

Relatives of the missing and diplomatic officials representing their countries have been informed of the decision.

It is being stressed, however, that the search for the missing would continue wherever possible including on the part of the ship above the water, and in the waters surrounding the ship.

The Concordia ran aground off the Tuscan island of Giglio on Jan. 13. The actions of the captain, Francesco Schettino are now being investigated.

Some 4,200 passengers and crew were on board when it capsized.

Seventeen bodies have been recovered, of which one has not yet been identified.

Sixteen people are listed as missing but are presumed dead.

While the recovery of the missing still remains a priority, another focus of attention for Italian Authorities is the prevention of an environmental disaster.

The ship is carrying 500,000 gallons of heavy fuel and other pollutants, and there are fears that those pollutants could spill out, damaging an environment that is home to dolphins, whales and other marine life. Listen