Press statement on Concordia sinking

News Release International Transport Federation (ITF) January 16, 2012

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ITF general secretary
David Cockroft stated: “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.”
 
He continued: “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.”
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