Koji Sekimizu, Secretary General of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) and David Cockroft, General Secretary of the International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) have released separate statements, expressing their condolences and sympathy for those affected by the sinking of the Costa Concordia cruise vessel, while also emphasising the importance of a full investigation into the incident.
Speaking at the opening of the IMO Sub-Committee on Stability, Load Lines and Fishing Vessel Safety today Mr Sekimizu said: “I wish to express my sincere condolences and sympathy on behalf of IMO to the families of those who have lost their lives onboard the cruise ship Costa Concordia.
“Further, I appreciate the Italian Coast Guard for their rescue operations over the night of the accident and the continued efforts deploying patrol boats, tugs, helicopters as well as diver teams, which have resulted in the highest number of people rescued in the history of the Italian Coast Guard.”
“Causes of this accident are still not yet established. We must wait for the casualty investigation and should not pre-judge or speculate at this stage. I would like to urge the Flag State administration to carry out the casualty investigation covering all aspects of this accident and provide the findings to the IMO under the provisions of SOLAS as soon as possible,” he said.
He added that the IMO must “not take this accident lightly” and said that lessons must be learnt while a re-examination of safety regulations for large passenger vessels may be necessary.
“In the centenary year of the Titanic, we have once again been reminded of the risks involved in maritime activities,” he said.
Mr Cockroft also expressed sympathy for the passengers, crew and their families: “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.
“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.”
