Environmental campaigners are warning of the potential damages to the marine ecosystem the ship presents as it is towed through 200 nautical miles of lush Mediterranean seas. Corsicans have reportedly dubbed the liner a “maritime Chernobyl,” The Times reports.
However, the liner is being escorted by a number of anti-pollution and safety vessels, says The Indenpendent. After France expressed concern that its own seas could be affected by the move, Italy confirmed that “rigorous and constant” checks would be carried out on the ship during its voyage.
Once the ship reaches Genoa, it will be broken up for spare parts.
The ship was brought upright in September and salvage workers gradually lifted the luxury cruise ship from the sea floor last Monday by pumping air into 30 large metal boxes attached to the hull, known as sponsons.
The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, is on trial facing charges of manslaughter, which he denies. Thirty-two passengers died in the disaster.
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