A number of British holidaymakers and crew were caught up in the tragedy but have now been accounted for. Tens of people are still reported as missing and six have lost their lives.

As Simon Caulder of The Independent commented when news of the disaster first broke, this is unprecedented in the modern world of cruising.

Large cruise ships are fitted with the very best technology to try and avoid disaster. It is thought a power failure may be at the root of the ship's grounding; the images of the ship on its side in the waters off the coast of Italy are striking. Extensive investigations will now take place to get to the bottom of why this has happened and to avoid any future repetition, particularly as Costa have other cruise ships built to an identical specification as the £300million Concordia.

Did the ship hit an unknown submerged rock, in response to which the crew headed for shallow waters, thereby saving lives? Or did they lose control and run off course?  Sadly, it seems to be a question of the latter as the cruise company has accepted the Captain may have committed errors.


If you were on board the Concordia when it ran aground, or if you know someone who was, and need to seek specialist legal advice, please contact Blake Lapthorn's specialist travel solicitors in the Claims Abroad team on 02380 857 423.




Chris Deacon
Solicitor - Claims Abroad team