The Wreck of the Costa Concordia | Stuff You Should Know

Intro

In this episode of “Stuff You Should Know,” the hosts discuss the maritime disaster of the Costa Concordia in 2012. They compare it to the Titanic and highlight the modern-day incompetence that led to the disaster. This podcast episode provides a detailed account of the events surrounding the sinking of the Costa Concordia, the actions of the captain, and the aftermath of the tragedy.

Main Takeaways

The Costa Concordia: A Modern-Day Maritime Disaster

• The Costa Concordia was launched in 2005 by Costa Crociere, becoming the largest ship in the Mediterranean at the time.
• The ship boasted luxurious amenities, including a spa spanning two full decks.
• With a length of over 950 feet and the capacity to hold almost 3,800 passengers and over 1,000 crew members, the Costa Concordia was the pride of Italy.
• Captain Francesco Schettino, an experienced veteran with 11 years of service, was in charge of the ship.

The Ill-Fated Sail-By and Collision

• A sail-by involves sailing very close to land to thrill passengers and onlookers, but it poses significant risks and requires deviating from the course.
• The Costa Concordia was passing by the small island of Gileo for the thrill of passengers and onlookers.
• The ship collided with rocks, causing a 174-foot tear in the port side of the ship and leading to rapid water intake and flooding of watertight compartments.
• The loss of power and control caused the ship to list at a 70-degree angle, putting everyone on board in a perilous situation.

The Captain’s Actions and the Chaotic Evacuation

• The captain’s attempt to steer the ship toward the port side worsened the situation, causing it to tip even more.
• Passengers and crew members faced chaos and confusion as they tried to evacuate the ship amidst the severe tilt.
• Due to the ship’s tilt, half of the lifeboats were unusable, and launching the remaining lifeboats was disorderly.
• The ship listed from 20 to 70 degrees, trapping people inside and resulting in 32 deaths.

The Salvage Operation and Legal Fallout

• The Costa Concordia was successfully uprighted after almost two years using a technique called turnbuckling.
• The salvage operation cost 1.2 billion dollars, the same amount it cost to build the ship in the first place.
• The captain, Francesco Schettino, was sentenced to sixteen years in prison for his role in the disaster.
• Costa Cruises faced criticism for safety and evacuation procedures, language barriers, and technical issues.

Summary

The Costa Concordia: A Modern-Day Maritime Disaster

The Costa Concordia, launched in 2005, was the largest ship in the Mediterranean at the time. With luxurious amenities and a capacity to hold thousands of passengers and crew members, it was considered the pride of Italy. Captain Francesco Schettino, an experienced veteran, was in charge of the ship.

The Ill-Fated Sail-By and Collision

The Costa Concordia embarked on a sail-by, sailing close to the small island of Gileo to thrill passengers and onlookers. However, the ship collided with rocks, causing a significant tear in its side. This led to rapid water intake and a loss of power and control. The ship listed at a dangerous angle, putting everyone on board in a precarious situation.

The Captain’s Actions and the Chaotic Evacuation

As the ship tilted, the captain’s attempts to steer it worsened the situation. Passengers and crew members faced chaos and confusion during the evacuation. Half of the lifeboats were unusable, and launching the remaining lifeboats was disorderly. The ship listed at extreme angles, trapping people inside and resulting in tragic deaths.

The Salvage Operation and Legal Fallout

The Costa Concordia was successfully uprighted after an extensive salvage operation costing 1.2 billion dollars. Captain Francesco Schettino was sentenced to sixteen years in prison. Costa Cruises faced criticism for safety procedures, language barriers, and technical issues.

Conclusion

The sinking of the Costa Concordia was a modern-day maritime disaster that highlighted the consequences of incompetence and poor decision-making. The tragedy resulted in loss of life, legal repercussions, and a costly salvage operation. The podcast episode provides a comprehensive account of the events surrounding the disaster, shedding light on the captain’s actions and the chaotic evacuation process.