Smit Salvage, the Rotterdam-based company contracted by Costa Cruises to recover fuel and oil from the wrecked Costa Concordia, began removing oil from the half-submerged vessel on Feb. 12.
“The initial operation is focused on the forward fuel tanks,” said Smit.
“The weather forecast for the coming days looks good and pumping will continue around the clock as long as the favorable conditions continue.”
The ship was carrying 500,000 gallons of fuel when it hit a rocky reef near the Italian island of Giglio on Jan. 13.
Follow Donna Tunney on Twitter @dttravelweekly.