Financial News

Brits On Stricken Liner To Sue For Stress

British passengers and crew who were aboard the ill-fated cruise liner Costa Concordia when she ran aground are launching a legal challenge for compensation.

The 300 metre liner struck rocks near Giglio, an island off Tuscany, Italy, in 2012.

The ship was carrying more than 4,000 passengers when disaster struck. More than 30 died and many more were injured.

Captain Francesco Schettino was convicted of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning passengers as the liner listed and took in water on the rocks.

A court sentenced him t0 16 years in jail after hearing he sailed the ship too near to the rocks.

The 10 British passengers and crew are claiming compensation for the ongoing psychological effects they have suffered from that fateful night, including nightmares, flashbacks and post-traumatic stress.

Travel tips

Expats who are disabled or have restricted mobility can find out more about their travel options from updated guidance to travel agents from industry trade body ABTA.

ABTA has published an accessibility checklist that guides travellers through their booking and raises points to discuss with agents and travel firms.

The organisation also list 10 top tips for travellers with accessibility issues and detailed information about what to do if problems are encountered while overseas.

Nikki White, ABTA Head of Destinations and Sustainability said: “We have tried to make our advice comprehensive for anyone travelling with accessibility issues.

“The aim is to improve their experience and to help them travel with confidence. This is an initiative that helps millions of people in the UK who want a holiday abroad but are concerned how their health affects where they can go and what they can do.”

Terror alert

The British Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) is alerting expats and tourists visiting Denmark about the threat of indiscriminate terror attacks.

In the past week, two people were killed and five police officers wounded in two separate shootings in Copenhagen. One gunman was shot and killed by police.

“The Danish government feels the incidents were linked and terror related,” said an FCO spokesman.

Find latest travel warnings

  • To check out the latest British government worldwide travel warnings, go to the FCO web site and select a country
  • The US government also issues regular travel warnings online
  • For ABTA travel information, visit their web site

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