The cruise ship often referred to when discussing a vessel that "flipped over" is the Costa Concordia. While it did not completely capsize (turn 180 degrees upside down), it grounded and subsequently listed so severely that it came to rest on its starboard side, appearing to have tipped over.
The Costa Concordia Disaster: An Overview
The incident involving the Costa Concordia was a significant maritime disaster that occurred in January 2012. The ship, which was part of the Costa Cruises fleet, struck an underwater rock off the coast of Giglio Island, Italy, leading to a catastrophic grounding and partial sinking.
Here are the key details of the incident:
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | 13 January 2012 |
| Coordinates | 42°21′55″N 10°55′18″E |
| Type | Ship grounding |
| Cause | Struck a rock while deviating from its planned course |
| Outcome | The ship became aground and listed heavily to its starboard side, with rigid lifeboats visible in the foreground and inflatable life rafts hanging from the side of the ship as it lay partially submerged. |
Details of the Incident
On the evening of January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia was on a planned cruise through the Mediterranean when it veered significantly off its charted course. This deviation led the vessel to strike a rock formation near Isola del Giglio, which tore a 50-meter gash in its hull. The impact caused immediate flooding in several compartments, leading to a rapid loss of power and stability.
As the ship took on water, it began to list severely to its starboard side. The crew initiated evacuation procedures, but the extreme angle of the ship made launching lifeboats incredibly difficult. Many passengers and crew were forced to abandon ship using various means, including sliding down the side of the hull. The vessel eventually settled onto the seabed at a severe angle, with much of its starboard side submerged and the port side exposed. This dramatic visual of the ship lying on its side is often what people recall when they describe the ship as having "flipped over."
Understanding the Term "Flipped Over"
While "flipped over" might suggest a complete inversion, in the context of the Costa Concordia, it accurately conveys the dramatic tilt and resting position of the ship. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the complexities involved in maritime navigation and emergency response. The ship remained capsized on its side for over two years before a complex salvage operation righted and refloated it for scuttling.
