UPDATE: Costa extends “heartfelt sympathies”

In an updated statement following the grounding of its ship, the Costa Concordia, Costa Cruises issued the following statement this morning (Wed., Jan. 18, 2012). “We are deeply saddened to learn that additional people have been found during the search of Costa Concordia, and extend our heartfelt sympathies to their families.” “We continue to cooperate with authorities to support the rescue and recovery efforts, and to help secure the vessel to ensure that there is no environmental impact.” And it concludes: “Our main priority remains the location of those passengers and crew who have not yet been accounted for. While rescue efforts continue we are reaching out to all our guests and their families to offer further assistance.”