The night of January 13, 2012, marks a tragic chapter in maritime history with the sinking of the Costa Concordia. Through a series of misjudgments and communication gaps, the ship’s journey turned calamitous, impacting thousands of lives. This detailed account delves into the critical timeline, shedding light on what transpired that fateful night.
Departure from Civitavecchia
- Time: The vessel embarked on its journey at 19:18, setting sail towards Savona with high spirits aboard.
- Passengers and Crew: Onboard were a total of 4,229 individuals, comprising 3,206 passengers craving an unforgettable cruise experience and 1,023 dedicated crew members.
- Bridge Crew: The bridge was manned by the first officer, second officer, third officer, a trainee, and a helmsman controlling the wheel.
Course and Initial Adjustments
- By 21:00, the Costa Concordia was cruising on autopilot at a course of 302° and a speed of 15.8 knots, roughly 4.8 miles south of Giglio.
- A series of navigational tweaks had the ship aiming directly at Giglio by 21:19, inadvertently setting the stage for disaster.
Commander’s Hands at the Wheel
- At 21:34, the commander took active control, opting for manual navigation to skillfully maneuver closer to Giglio.
- Amidst a crucial phone conversation regarding safety distances, communication miscues among bridge officers skewed the course significantly.
Impact and Imminent Danger
At 21:45, efforts to steer the ship away from peril fell short, resulting in a catastrophic collision with a submerged rock.
- Immediate Effects: The impact disabled the ship’s propulsion, drastically reducing speed and instigating a power blackout.
- Loss of Control: Navigational and safety systems suffered, leaving the ship at the mercy of the elements.
Struggling Amid a Blackout
- Communication with the cruise company at 21:57 inadequately conveyed the critical state of the ship, omitting extensive flooding and complete engine failure.
- Vital compartments were fully breached, escalating the ship’s vulnerability as the blackout persisted.
Plea for Assistance
- Despite deteriorating conditions, the ship requested tugboat aid at 22:22 without highlighting the true scale of the unfolding crisis.
- The starboard list intensified, heightening panic and confusion among passengers and crew.
| Time | Key Event |
|---|---|
| 22:00 | Contact from Civitavecchia port authority, informed of “controlled” situation |
| 22:33 | General alarm is finally sounded |
| 22:35 | Order to abandon ship given |
| 22:40 | Costa Concordia begins to list heavily |
| 00:42 | Commander reports departure via lifeboat |
Evacuation and Commander’s Controversial Exit
- Evacuation Chaos: As the ship’s list increased, a frantic evacuation ensued, marked by the tardy sounding of the general alarm at 22:33 and evacuation orders at 22:35.
- Commander’s Departure: In an unexpected turn, the commander vacated the ship, citing risks due to the severe list.
Rescue Operations: A Race Against Time
- Rescuers continued their efforts tirelessly, ensuring the final passenger disembarked by 6:17 the following morning.
- The tragedy claimed 30 lives, while two victims remained unaccounted for, their bodies never recovered.
The Costa Concordia catastrophe underscores the perils of navigational errors and limited communication during emergencies. This disaster serves as a poignant reminder of the often-overlooked risks in marine voyages and the enduring need for rigorous safety adherence.
