Norman Atlantic tow claims lives of two salvors

Italian Navy

DECEMBER 30, 2014 — Two Albanian seafarers aboard a salvage tug towing the fire ravaged ferry Norman Atlantic were killed when a cable broke.A third was seriously injured.

The ferry is being towed to the Albanian port of Vlora. It is being followed by tugs from the Italian salvage company Barretta that have been appointed by the prosecutor in Bari, Italy, to take judicial custody of the ferry on its arrival.

Meantime, there is confusion over how many may have died in the incident. In addition to the two Albanian seafarers at least ten of those on board the ferry are known to be dead and there are fears that there may be other bodies on the ferry, including illegal immigrants.

Though the ship was officially carrying 478 people, including 56 crew, some of those rescued were not listed as on board. One reports cites Italian navy Admiral Giovanni Pettorino as saying 80 of those rescued had not been on the passenger list at all. Other reports suggest that some of those listed may have been no-shows.

The captain of the Norman Atlantic, Captain Argilio Giacomazzi, was the last person to be rescued off the ship and his behavior is being contrasted with that of Costa Concordia captain Francisco Schettino. However both Captain Giacomazzi and owner Carlo Visentini are being investigated with prosecutors considering charges that could include multiple manslaughter and negligent injury.