Costa Concordia: Refloated Wreck Returns to Genoa

Return to the Port

On Sunday, July 27, the refloated wreck of the infamous Costa Concordia cruise ship was towed to the Italian port of Genoa. The ship, which ran aground in 2012, killing 32 people, had been lying submerged off the coast of the Tuscany island of Giglio for over six months. The successful refloating operation, one of the largest and most complex in maritime history, marks a significant milestone in the aftermath of the tragedy.

Salvage Operation

The salvage operation, led by the Italian company Titan Maritime, involved meticulously removing the ship's fuel and other hazardous materials, as well as repairing its damaged hull. Engineers designed a series of large platforms to support and stabilize the ship during the refloating process. Once the ship was sufficiently buoyant, it was slowly towed towards Genoa, a journey that took several days.

Future of the Wreck

The wreck of the Costa Concordia is expected to remain in Genoa for some time as authorities determine its ultimate fate. Options include scrapping the ship for scrap metal, converting it into a museum or memorial, or repurposing it for another use. Regardless of its future, the return of the Concordia to port is a somber reminder of the tragic events of 2012.