The Costa Concordia reminds us that the sea is not a harmless playground.

‘I wouldn’t like to be in the role of the captain of the Titanic, having to sail in an ocean of icebergs’ said Captain Francesco Schettino who has been arrested after his huge cruise liner, the Costa Concordia came to grief on a rock just yards away from the Tuscan island of Giglio.

Captain Francesco Schettino

I wouldn’t like to be Captain Francesco Schettino who now faces multiple manslaughter charges and is accused of abandoning his ship.

Giglio is very unlike an iceberg but the Costa Concordia, a giant pleasure boat carrying hundreds of passengers, was more like the Titanic than anyone, especially its Captain, ever imagined.

The sea, even on idyllic Italian cruises is an unforgiving playground and every now and again it reminds us in the most brutal ways. If it is true that Captain Schettino decided to risk his vessel for a frivolous salute to the island then he was guilty not only of the consequences of his actions but of disrespect for the forces of Nature.

Maybe we too should remember that even the most relaxing of holiday destinations are not immune from the cruel realities of life especially when we put our lives into the hands of reckless men.

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