Costa Concordia Rescue Called Off

22 still missing, death toll stands at 11
By Evann Gastaldo,  Newser Staff
Posted Jan 18, 2012 7:33 AM CST
Rescue Operations Suspended at Costa Concordia
A view taken from a ferry boat on January 18, 2012 shows the cruise liner Costa Concordia aground in front of the harbour of the Isola del Giglio after hitting underwater rocks on January 13.   (Getty Images)

With 22 people still missing, rescue operations at the downed Costa Concordia were called off today amid safety concerns after the cruise ship moved slightly. Officials say they will look at their data to determine if the ship has resettled and the search can resume, the AP reports. A Dutch company also plans to pump fuel from the ship, in an effort to avoid environmental problems.

Meanwhile, Capt. Francesco Schettino appeared before a judge yesterday and was questioned for three hours; he is now home under house arrest. The captain, who is accused of fleeing his ship and refusing to reboard, faces charges in the coming days including manslaughter and abandoning ship; the abandonment charge alone carries a possible 12-year prison sentence. The death toll stands at 11 after the five latest victims, all wearing life jackets, were found yesterday. (More Costa Concordia stories.)

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