Cruise Ship Disaster Rescue Efforts May End Soon

The death toll in last week’s Italian Costa Concordia cruise ship crash had climbed to 11 as of Thursday night, and officials say they’re considering when to call off rescue operations. There are 21 people still missing.

CNN reports Italian authorities were still sending divers through the wreckage as of Thursday night as reports flowed in about the inexplicable behavior of the ship’s captain, who is accused of several crimes including fleeing the ship while there were passengers still on board. International reports say the captain ordered dinner shortly after the crash, perhaps insinuating that he took in a meal rather than putting his full effort into evacuation efforts.

Carnival, the parent company of the cruise line, released this statement:

“While I have every confidence in the safety of our vessels and the professionalism of our crews, this review will evaluate all practices and procedures to make sure that this kind of accident doesn’t happen again.”

Decision looms on ending Concordia rescue operations [CNN]

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