Costa Cruises has released an apology to passengers involved in the Costa Concordia disaster at sea off the Tuscan coast.

 In a statement sent to Local 10 by one of the passengers on board the stricken ship, the cruise line said it had already refunded the cruise fare and would cover other travel expenses.



"I want to take this opportunity to extend our most sincere apologies for the accident involving the Costa Concorida and for the suffering and inconvenience you endured as a  result of this traumatic event. We realize how difficult it will be to heal from this experience and we are committed to providing you with our full support and cooperation.

We also know you must have certain questions and I am taking this opportunity to make you aware of the following information:

* A full refund for your cruise fare has been processed. Costa Cruises has refunded you the full cost of the cruise, either directly or through your Travel Agency.

* We will reimburse all travel expenses you incurred both reaching your port of embarkation and on the homeward journey, including any independent arrangements you may have made for transfers. We therefore kindly ask you to send us copies of the corresponding vouchers and/or receipts.

* Any on board expenses will also be refunded. Consequently, any charges to your credit card will be credited to your account and any cash deposits will be refunded.

*Costa Cruises also wishes to reimburse you for any medical expenses you may have incurred as a result of the accident. Please send us copies of the associated bills and receipts so that we may refund you accordingly.

* We know the valuables left in your cabin safe are very important to you and every effort will be made to return them to you.

* In the next few days you should receive from Costa an overnight mail with hard copies of this message and the attached Reimbursement form. Please complete the form and provide an accurate description of the items left in the safe in addition to your travel and medical expenses.

* Information on the retun of your personal belonging and other forms of compensation will be communicated.

Should you have any quesetions, please contact our Family Support Center at 954-266-5693 or email CareTeam@us.costa.it.

Once again, we express our deepest regret for this incident and hope you will allow us the opportunity to win back your confidence.

Respectfully,

Norbert Stiekema

Executive Vice President Sales & Marketing

Costa Crociere S.p.A"



The death toll from the accident is 13, with 19 people confirmed missing. Officials said more, undocumented passengers may also be missing as rescue crews continue to search the wreckage for survivors.