The head of the serious and grotesque accident involving the Costa Concordia near the island was fired, and in response, the commander decided to sue Costa Cruises, demanding reinstatement and back wages.
If you’re trying to reconcile with someone, my dear commander, besides complaining to the Costa Concordia crew, you should have thought to ask for a percentage of the tourist office profits on the island of Giglio. When the cruise ship was lying on its side just off Giglio, the island experienced a significant boost in tourism.
It’s a phenomenon called tragedy tourism, and according to Mayor Sergio Ortelli, it shows no signs of slowing down: “There is a daily increase in visitors who come from morning to night to take photos and see this massive ship resting on the rocks. It’s like Giglio has become an open-air museum.” In the meantime, there are more and more tour proposals to visit the island specifically to view the wreck.
It’s sad, crazy, and idiotic, but it happens. I saw it myself this summer during the constant comings and goings from the coast of Argentario. Friends returning from their usual beach trips would first talk about seeing the Costa Concordia, saying how stunning it was. Even from the top of Mount Argentario, with a fiery sunset over the Tuscan islands and Corsica in the background, the main attraction was the surreal sight of the ship lying there. “Too bad I don’t have binoculars!”
It’s not that surprising when you consider that aircraft and satellites always keep an eye out for such sights. Whenever you’re in that area, it’s something memorable to witness.