Update. Costa Cruises: statement on Tunis terrorist attack
Statement by Neil Palomba – President Costa Crociere. “With great sadness we regret to report that 5 guests (4 Italians and 1 Russian) of the Costa Fascinosa are amongst the victims of the horrific attack yesterday in Tunis, and 8 guests (7 Italians and 1 Russian) are injured and currently hospitalized.
What happened yesterday in Tunis represent an attempt to the values of friendship between cultures in which we have always believed. Our deepest sympathy and our condolences go to the victims and their families. We share their sorrow.”
As soon as the ship’s command was notified about the attack at Museo Bardo they immediately activated our Company Emergency Response procedures, recalled all excursions to return on board, and care team and company senior executives were deployed on site.
Our Crisis Team immediately established close communication with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Local Security Authorities and our Port Agent together with the Captain of Costa Fascinosa for a continuous assessment of the situation on site and its evolution in order to collect continuous updates.
15 Costa Care Team members and 2 Costa headquarters Executives reached Tunis later in the afternoon, and immediately began providing assistance on site to our Guests, and establishing close communications with local authorities.
Costa Fascinosa departed Tunis at 1:55 am on Thursday March 19th with 3,148 pax on board.
Costa Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing Norbert Stiekema embarked on board Costa Fascinosa and began establishing close contact with the guests impacted by this shocking experience. All Guests on board have been given the opportunity to disembark upon arrival to the next port of Palma de Mallorca on Friday March 20th, and for those choosing this option Costa will take care of their return to their home country.
In memory of all the victims of this terrible attack, a minute of silence has been observed today at Costa Crociere headquarter in Genoa, in all worldwide offices and onboard our ships. All the entertainment activities have been suspended on board our fleet.
Our immediate priority is the assistance to our passengers and crew affected by this tragic event, and ensuring their safe passage home.
Costa Care Team members together with Costa Senior Vice President Beniamino Maltese are currently in Tunis taking care of the companions of the victims and of the 8 guests who are hospitalized.
After this event, Costa has announced all future calls in Tunis are suspended.
We are constantly in contact with the Italian Government and the Tunisian security authorities. We would like to thank the Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs and his Office for the close co-operation in managing this crisis.
