One Indian crew member missing: Krishna

Bangalore - External Affairs Minister S.M. Krishna on Monday said one Indian crew member on board Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia that tipped over off the Tuscan coast in Italy on Friday night is missing and efforts are on to trace him.

“All of them have been rescued... only one Indian crew member Rebello Russell Terrance is missing and has not been traced yet,” he told reporters.

He said India is making efforts to trace Rebello and in touch with his brother Kevin who has reached Italy. “We have directed our Ambassador to Italy to visit the spot of the tragedy ... He is on his way there,” he said.

The Ambassador has already deputed two officials to assist Italian authorities to trace Terrance, Mr. Krishna said, “We will share further information as and when we get it,” he said.

Mr. Krishna, however, said there was no information on whether more Indian crew members or passengers were on board Costa Concordia, which was carrying more than 4,200 people when it hit a reef or rock near the Tuscan island of Giglio.

The Indian government has set up a control room in Rome and New Delhi to coordinate rescue and relief operations.

At least 130 Indians were rescued on life boats on Sunday after Costa Concordia ran aground, leaving six dead, none of whom were Indians.