Work continues on removing fuel from the grounded Costa Concordia.  That's the first step in a salvage operation anticipated to take eight to 10 months to complete.

"The Concordia Emergency Commissioner's Office and Costa Crociere have announced that the pumping of fuel from the cruise ship Costa Concordia has been continuing around the clock since 5 p.m. February 12, in accordance with the plan devised by the Neri/Smit Salvage team, " said Costa today in a statement.

Removal of the fuel has been a hot-button topic with environmentalists and local fishermen, concerned about deadly consequences of a fuel leak.  Costa answered that question as well with an update

"Since the outset Costa Crociere's priorities have been to guarantee maximum safety, the least possible environmental impact and protection of the environment of Giglio and the island's tourism industry, while carrying out defueling within a reasonable time frame."

They still have a way to go with a total of 1,428 cubic meters (377,237 gallons) of fuel is still to be removed from 13 tanks, of which 576 cubic meters (152,163 gallons) is located in the forward part of the ship. Salvage experts on the scene believe fuel still on the ship should be extracted within three weeks, working 24 hours a day.

According to the schedule drawn up by the Neri/Smit Salvage experts, if sea and weather conditions remain favorable, all of the fuel still on board the ship should be extracted within three weeks if operations can continue 24 hours per day.

Chris Owen is a travel writer from Orlando, Florida charged with sharing frank, inside information on cruise vacations with travelers here and at ChrisCruises.com.

Video Source: NMANewsDirect

Photo: EU Humanitarian Aid and Civil Protection