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Costa accused of bullying Concordia crew to accept compensation
Crew who survived the Costa Concordia tragedy have been offered cash settlements for the loss of their personal items on board the ship when it sank off the coast of Italy, as long as they waive their right to claim compensation for any physical harm or emotional trauma.
According to a report in the Financial Times, the cash offer covers lost money and personal items up to a maximum of $3,750 (£2,383) and pay for the remainder of their contracts.
Thirty-two people died when the Concordia, which was carrying more than 4,200 passengers and crew, hit rocks off the Tuscan coast on January 13.
Passengers who survived have been offered €11,000 (£9,178) each to cover lost belongings, distress caused and the loss of enjoyment of the cruise. They will also be refunded the cost of the cruise, including onboard expenses, and the cost of repatriation to the UK. The amount will not be reduced to take into account insurance payouts.
Passengers have until March 31 to accept the offer, which is separate from offers made to the injured and those who
Lawyers representing crew told the FT that staff have felt under pressure to accept the cash settlements quickly in order to return to their jobs, but the cruise line has denied forcing anyone to take the money.
Costa Cruises has refused to comment on individual negotiations with crew, but it said they were being treated fairly.
The cruise line has also offered compensation to passengers onboard the Costa Allegra when it lost all power, leaving them stranded in the Indian Ocean for four days before being towed to the Seychelles. Each passenger will receive a refund for the cost of the cruise and onboard expenses, which will be doubled if they waive any right to make any further claim against the company.
Those who chose not to continue their holiday on the Seychelles at Costa’s expense have been offered a discount off future cruises.
By Linsey McNeill
Linsey McNeill
Editor Linsey McNeill has been writing about travel for more than three decades. Bylines include The Times, Telegraph, Observer, Guardian and Which? plus the South China Morning Post. She also shares insider tips on thetraveljournalist.co.uk
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