By Martin Banks - 16th January 2012
During the past two decades, cruise lines have maintained the best safety record in the travel industry
ECC
The body representing Europe's cruise industry has demanded a "full" inquiry into the Italian shipping disaster.
The Brussels-based European Cruise Council (ECC) said it was "deeply concerned" after the incident on the Costa Concordia.
But, in light of the tragedy, the organisation, which represents the cruise industry, moved to allay possible public concern about the safety of cruise ships.
The comments come after the company operating the cruise ship that capsized after hitting rocks off western Italy on Friday said the captain may have "committed errors".
He appears to have sailed too close to land and not to have followed the company's emergency procedures, Costa Crociere said in a statement. Captain Francesco Schettino is suspected of manslaughter, but denies wrongdoing.
At least six people have died but about 15 remain unaccounted for. Divers are trying to find more survivors.
On Monday, ECC secretary general Tim Marking, said, "On behalf of the European cruise industry we would also like to pay tribute to all those who worked tirelessly to evacuate the ship and to help minimise casualties.
"While all our focus should rightly be on attending to the immediate incident at hand there will, of course, be a full and thorough investigation into the causes of this event, and the full cooperation of both the company and the wider industry is assured."
He also said the ECC wanted to reassure other cruise ship passengers that all ECC member companies "operate to the highest safety standards around the world and according to international maritime requirements".
Marking added, "During the past two decades, cruise lines have maintained the best safety record in the travel industry while transporting more than 90 million people throughout the world.
"Ships’ crews undertake regular training and drills for emergency situations, including the evacuation of a vessel.
"This training includes scenario training to cover different incidents, and the ships themselves are required to comply with stringent regulations covering every aspect of their build and operation."
