Concordia survivors still suffering

The cruise ship Costa Concordia, leaning on its side, is framed by a church bell tower in the Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. As if the nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety weren't enough, passengers who survived the terrifying grounding and capsizing of the Costa Concordia off Tuscany have come in for a rude shock as they mark the first anniversary of the disaster on Sunday. Ship owner Costa Crociere SpA, the Italian unit of Miami-based Carnival Corp., sent several passengers a letter telling them they weren't welcome at the official anniversary ceremonies on the island of Giglio where the hulking ship still rests. Costa says the day is focused on the families of the 32 people who died Jan. 13, 2012, not the 4,200 passengers and crew who survived. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia)

The cruise ship Costa Concordia, leaning on its side, is framed by a church bell tower in the Tuscan island of Giglio, Italy, Friday, Jan. 11, 2013. As if the nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety weren't enough, passengers who survived the terrifying grounding and capsizing of the Costa Concordia off Tuscany have come in for a rude shock as they mark the first anniversary of the disaster on Sunday. Ship owner Costa Crociere SpA, the Italian unit of Miami-based Carnival Corp., sent several passengers a letter telling them they weren't welcome at the official anniversary ceremonies on the island of Giglio where the hulking ship still rests. Costa says the day is focused on the families of the 32 people who died Jan. 13, 2012, not the 4,200 passengers and crew who survived. (AP Photo/Paolo Santalucia)

Published Jan 11, 2013

Share

Rome - Passengers who survived the capsizing of the Costa Concordia cruise ship off Tuscany are still suffering nightmares, flashbacks and anxiety one year later. As if that weren't enough, they've been dealt a shock that many say adds insult to injury: a letter that tells them to stay away from Sunday's anniversary commemorations.

The ship's Italian owner informed several passengers that they were not invited to the ceremonies on the island of Giglio where the hulking ship still rests. Costa Crociere SpA says the day is focused on the families of the 32 people who died.

Some survivors say they understood that the bereaved families deserve particular attention. But many have expressed anger, with some speculating that the letter was about keeping disgruntled passengers away from TV cameras. - Sapa-AP

Related Topics: