Costa Concordia Wreck Caught In HD Photos Underwater

Last week it was announced and subsequently blasted across the earth that a gigantic cruise ship by the name of Costa Concordia was wrecked off the coast of Isola del Giglio, Italy, missing persons and deaths included – this week explorers are moving through the wreck with a fine toothed comb. What you're going to see are photographs in high definition presented by rescuers who hope to not only get clues as to how the ship was run amid disastrous consequences, but as to where the missing passengers have ended up. There are currently 21 passengers missing at this time of the more than 4,200 that were aboard at the time of the crash.

The Carbinieri scuba divers you see in the photos above and below have been searching for some days now, they being dropped in near the ship to explore its surroundings and innards for information surrounding the crash. This story has gained international attention due to the epic nature of it and, of course, its similarities to the most famous shipwreck of all time: the Titanic. Unlike that deadly wreck, the Concordia here turned on its side and did not fully dip under the icy waves.

The captain of the ship remains in police custody at this time amid allegations that he may have been able to stop the crash from happening but for whatever reason did not. Multiple manslaughter is the crime he's about to be tried for, his sailing too close to shore and abandoning the ship before the rest of the passengers and crew two of the reasons why this man will never again be sailing. You can check out the rest of the HD photos at The Atlantic or head to our additional coverage to get the rest of the story as it unfolds.

[via The Atlantic]