Costa Concordia: Last missing victim is found in wreck
The body of the Costa Concordia’s last missing victim has been found amid work to dismantle the wreck of the cruise ship.
Indian waiter Russel Rebello is said to have died after giving up his own life-jacket to save one passenger and helping others into lifeboats.
His remains were reportedly found by workers as they cleared debris on the eighth deck of the ship in a passenger cabin.
A total of 32 people lost their lives in the tragedy off the Italian island of Giglio in January 2012. His was the last body not to have been found.
Speaking to Italian media, Russel’s brother Kevin said: “This news really sent a chill through me but I have been waiting for 1,000 days to hear it. He is a hero. He helped so many people who are now alive – because of him. When someones saves a life, that person must be considered a hero.”
Ship’s captain Francesco Schettino is on trial for manslaughter. He is accused of causing the shipwreck and abandoning the luxury liner after it struck rocks and sank, prompting a chaotic evacuation. He denies the charges.
Once DNA testing has been completed, Russel Rebello’s remains are set to be taken home by his brother to India.
Indian waiter Russel Rebello is said to have died after giving up his own life-jacket to save one passenger and helping others into lifeboats.
His remains were reportedly found by workers as they cleared debris on the eighth deck of the ship in a passenger cabin.
A total of 32 people lost their lives in the tragedy off the Italian island of Giglio in January 2012. His was the last body not to have been found.
Speaking to Italian media, Russel’s brother Kevin said: “This news really sent a chill through me but I have been waiting for 1,000 days to hear it. He is a hero. He helped so many people who are now alive – because of him. When someones saves a life, that person must be considered a hero.”
Ship’s captain Francesco Schettino is on trial for manslaughter. He is accused of causing the shipwreck and abandoning the luxury liner after it struck rocks and sank, prompting a chaotic evacuation. He denies the charges.
Once DNA testing has been completed, Russel Rebello’s remains are set to be taken home by his brother to India.