Statement on Costa Concordia sinking

16 January 2012

ITF general secretary David Cockroft stated: “This is a human tragedy that came close to being even worse than it was. We understand that six people are currently known to be dead and 10 missing, six of them seafarers. The wellbeing of their families and of the passengers and crew who went through this harrowing experience is at the forefront of everyone’s thoughts today.”

“There is some comfort in the fact that the ship is owned by a reputable company and, importantly, is Italian flagged, so a full investigation is certain. We trust that this will cover all aspects of the accident and issues surrounding the subsequent evacuation.”

He continued: “We wish to salute the individual acts of heroism and selflessness that are emerging, including from crew, rescue services and the people of Giglio who have thrown open their homes to the survivors.”

“The ITF is ready to offer any help it can to its colleagues in Italy, where the trade unions are playing an important support role in helping those affected.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media