Giglio Island: Costa Concordia Update

Costa Concordia January 2012

It is hard to believe it has already been one year and eight months since the horrific accident, where the Costa Concordia cruise ship went down on the Giglio Island reef. Finally this past Tuesday, the company in charge of moving the ship was able to get it upright, in preparation of moving it.

The technique used to turn the ship upright was accomplished by an operation called parbuckling. It was the largest ship to ever have this technique done, and the company who did it must be applauded, as they did a super job. More information on this operation can be found here.

Photo of Giglio Island  before the Costa Concordia accident

I just wonder how and when Giglio Island can return to normal. Maybe normal will be completely different than it was before. Having lived on Cozumel Island for the last thirteen years, I understand that small changes really effect the dynamics of an island, and having a monster cruise ship shipwrecked right off shore is a significant change, not a small one. 

This youtube video starts out showing how really beautiful the ship was. It is kind of frightening that they tell the cruisers that the ship is experiencing electrical problems and all will be well soon. Then the tragedy follows.

God bless those who lost their lives. I only hope for Giglio Island's sake, they can get the ship out of there soon.