Passengers on board the Costa Concordia can expect to be compensated for the ordeal they faced earlier this week when the ship began to sink after coming in contact with rocks off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy.

In a statement, Costa Cruise Lines said it has been organising lodging for passengers, transportation for crew to return home as well as refunding affected travellers their voyage costs including cruise fares and all costs incurred while on board.

Personal possessions lost on the ship are also being addressed while every passenger, crew members and their families are being contacted to offer assistance and counselling. 

Costa Cruises’ parent company, Carnival Corporation chief executive Micky Arison assured that the Company was committed to providing full support to passengers, crew and the families of the victims.

“I give my personal assurance that we will take care of each and every one of our guests, crew and their families affected by this tragic event,” Mr Arison explained. 

“Our company was founded on this principle and it will remain our focus.”

Meanwhile earlier this week a transcript of the recording between the Costa Concordia’s captain, Franseco Schettino and Coast Guard officials was made public.

The conversation was held between the two parties shortly after the ship had begun to sink and saw the Port Authority warning the Captain that if didn’t return to the ship he would be “put through a lot of trouble”.

“Listen to me, there are people that are getting off using the rope ladder on the stern side, you go back there and you go up that ladder the opposite way, you go onboard the ship and you tell me how many people,” the Port Authority told the Captain.  

“And what they need. You tell me if there are children, women or people that need assistance and you give me a number for each one of these categories is that clear?

“Look Schettino, you may have saved yourself from the sea but will put you through a lot of trouble it will be very bad for you! Get back on board for Christ’s sake!!!”

The Captain told the Port Authority that he was coordinating rescue operations from the lifeboat and said he would return to boat.

The ship’s Captain also told an investigation judge this week that he had fallen into the lifeboat from the sinking ship.

For more information click here.  

Click the link below to see the ship on a live feed located at Giglio port:  
http://www.giglionews.it/2010022440919/webcam/isola-del-giglio/webcam-giglio-porto-panoramica.html