Costa Concordia To Be Removed By September

The stricken ship Costa Concordia will be removed from the Italian coast between June and September, officials have said.

The vessel has been resting on its side off the Tuscan coast since it capsized last year killing 32 people.

Franco Gabrielli, the chief of Italy's Social Defence Department, spoke to reporters on the eve of the first anniversary of the disaster.

He highlighted the difficulties of the salvage operation, saying the ship would be removed between June and September depending on weather conditions.

The Concordia slammed into a reef off the island of Giglio on January 13, 2012 after its captain took it off course in a stunt to bring the ship closer to the island. As it took water in, she ship rolled onto its side.

Captain Francesco Schettino has been accused of multiple manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and leaving the ship before all passengers were evacuated.

Since the tragedy, the Costa Concordia has turned into a macabre tourist attraction, with hundreds of sightseers catching a ferry from Porto Santo Stefano to Giglio so they can look at the 300ft ship and take pictures before returning to the mainland.

The Concordia sinking shortly after it struck rocks

Sunday's anniversary commemorations in Giglio include a ceremony to honour rescue teams and a mass held in the island's tiny church, where many of the injured were treated. A memorial in honour of the 32 dead will also be unveiled.

But the commemorations have been marred by controversy over a letter reportedly sent by ship owner Costa Crociere to survivors, telling them not to bother attending the ceremonies.

The company cited logistical difficulties on the tiny island and the desire for privacy expressed by the families of the victims, according to news reports.

Some 4,200 people between passengers and crews survived the tragedy.

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