Costa Crociere has issued the following statement relating to the incident that took place in Tunis as the Costa Fascinosa remains in port:

Costa Crociere confirms that the Company is in close contact with the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Local Security Authorities, the Captain of Costa Fascinosa and our local Port Agent for a continuous assessment of the situation on site and its evolution. At the moment, the Captain reports that  there are still 14 passengers who have not returned back onboard yet. Costa Crociere is providing complete assistance to all passengers and their relatives. Costa headquarter management and Costa Care Team are now in Tunis to reach the ship in order to liaise with the local Authorities to ensure all passengers are accounted for and assistance is granted to all of them included those not onboard. Extra security measures are taken by local security Authorities around the port to ensure the security of ship, its passengers and the crew. The ship is expected to depart from Tunis upon clearance around 00.30am March 19. Costa Crociere expresses its sympathy to all the people and their families involved in today’s tragic event.