Dancer saved from capsized cruise liner after Facebook plea

While officials in Italy are dealing with the recovery efforts and potential negative environmental impact after a Carnival cruise liner capsized, social media has been a popular tool for reaching loved ones.

After the devastating crash of the Carnival Costa Concordia cruise liner on Italy’s coast, relatives and friends of the survivors have been seeking information about their loved ones through social media channels like Facebook and Twitter according to a recent report from Reuters. A 22-year old British dancer by the name of Rose Metcalf used Facebook to post a cry for help while the ship was sinking. Included as a Facebook caption on a photo of herself within a dark portion of the ship, she posted “My name is Rose, it’s Friday the 13th and I’m one of the last survivors still on board the sinking cruise ship off the coast of Italy. Pray for us to be rescued.” Hours later, Rose was airlifted to safety off a slanted deck by a rescue helicopter. 

According to a new report from The Telegraph, the sister of the head waiter on the Costa Concordia posted on Facebook about the incoming ship just minutes before the ship smashed into the rocky shore. She stated ”In a short period of time, the Concordia ship will pass very close. A big greeting to my brother who finally gets to have a holiday on landing in Savona.” Captain Francesco Schettino had alerted the head waiter to the bridge to watch the ship pass by the nearby shore. Despite warnings from crew members, the captain continued on the same course and ultimately capsized the luxury cruise liner. Police have taken Captain Schettino into custody and he is currently facing multiple manslaughter charges for the deaths of at least six passengers. 

Survivors and family members have turned to Facebook groups to post information about missing friends as well as vent their anger toward the captain’s actions. They are also using Twitter to post real-time updates with pictures of the salvage operation as well as any information on the recovery effort. Twenty-two passengers and four crew members are still missing.