Search for bodies continues in stricken ship
- 12 years ago
Stormy weather threatens Costa Concordia rescue and salvage efforts just off Tuscany's coast.
Italy's navy says divers are still searching for bodies in the submerged hull of the ship.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) SPOKESMAN FOR ITALIAN NAVY, ALESSANDRO BUSONERO, SAYING:
"Scuba divers will go back in the water today. They will work on Bridge 3, attempting to open a blocked double door. Opening this door will allow search teams to penetrate further and continue their search inside the ship."
But there are concerns that bad weather expected soon, could hamper efforts.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) SPOKESMAN FOR ITALIAN NAVY ALESSANDRO BUSONERO, SAYING:
"In terms of weather conditions we are not so much interested in the future. We see what the conditions are like day by day. We verify it every morning, and if it is like this morning at 8.30 our people will start their activities, otherwise we will call off the search."
Nearby, other ships prepare to begin pumping 2,300 tonnes of fuel from the stricken cruise liner to prevent it from spilling into the ocean.
Sixteen people are known to have died when the vessel hit a rock in shallow waters off Giglio island on January 13, causing the ship to capsize.
Another 16 are still unaccounted for.
Jessica Gray, Reuters
Italy's navy says divers are still searching for bodies in the submerged hull of the ship.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) SPOKESMAN FOR ITALIAN NAVY, ALESSANDRO BUSONERO, SAYING:
"Scuba divers will go back in the water today. They will work on Bridge 3, attempting to open a blocked double door. Opening this door will allow search teams to penetrate further and continue their search inside the ship."
But there are concerns that bad weather expected soon, could hamper efforts.
(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) SPOKESMAN FOR ITALIAN NAVY ALESSANDRO BUSONERO, SAYING:
"In terms of weather conditions we are not so much interested in the future. We see what the conditions are like day by day. We verify it every morning, and if it is like this morning at 8.30 our people will start their activities, otherwise we will call off the search."
Nearby, other ships prepare to begin pumping 2,300 tonnes of fuel from the stricken cruise liner to prevent it from spilling into the ocean.
Sixteen people are known to have died when the vessel hit a rock in shallow waters off Giglio island on January 13, causing the ship to capsize.
Another 16 are still unaccounted for.
Jessica Gray, Reuters