Sinking Cruise Ship Kills Six—More Confirmed Deaths Possible

January 14, 2012 - According to reports six people have been killed in an Italian cruise ship accident and more confirmed deaths are possible. According to authorities the 948 foot Italian cruise ship Costa Concordia ran aground hitting a reef and began taking on water on the island of Giglio, Italy. Six people have been confirmed dead and more are feared dead in the accident.

Authorities stated that over 4,000 people have been evacuated and at least 69 people are still missing. There have been 4,179 people aboard the ship accounted for, with 14 people suffering injuries. The Mediterranean cruise had a total of 4,229 registered passengers and crew members on the ship.

Among the dead is a 70 year old man that had a heart attack after jumping into the icy waters. The manufacturer of the Costa Concordia has stated the ship was built to hold 3,780 passengers and 1,100 crew members. According to firefighting services chief of Grossetto city Ennio Aquilino stated that the hull of the ship breached on both sides.
People rescued from the ship said that it was like being on the Titanic without the iceberg. They were ordered to put on life vests and 50 people were rescued by helicopters that were trapped on the ship.

The Italian ship company Costa Crociere has stated they do not know what caused the accident yet. The 13 deck cruise ship left port at approximately 7:00 p.m. for a seven day Mediterranean cruises and within two hours ran aground with a major electrical fault. The ship began to list to the starboard side at approximately a 20 degree angle shortly after the accident.

Some reports are stating the ship began taking on water after hitting the rocks that caused a 160 foot gash in the hull of the ship. According to officials there are 129 Americans believed to be aboard the ship and they are not aware of any British injuries or fatalities.

The ship is now lying flat on its side off the cost with the starboard side submerged in the water. This has been a public service message from the cruise ship accident lawyer at Ehline Law Firm PC 633 West Fifth Street, 28th Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90071-2005.