On the first anniversary of the sinking of Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia, Kevin Rebello brother of Russel Rebello who has been missing since the shipwreck visited Giglio Island in Italy to mark the day. Kevin Rebello, who lives in Milan, shared with MiD DAY the highlights of his day in Giglio by sending us some photos, reminiscent of the calamity that hit the ill-starred ship on January 13, 2012, and took away his brother
Kevin arrived in the island city near which the Costa hit a reef and ran aground on January 12. The semi-submerged ship can be seen in the far background
The liner still juts out from the waters near the island off the Tuscan coast. There were over 4,000 passengers aboard the ship, and the tragedy claimed 32 of them
In this picture, Kevin is seen with a French couple who survived the tragedy with Russel's help. They had come to the island from Paris for the commemoration. "They thanked me because Russel saved their lives that night," Kevin told us.
Kevin presents Giglio Mayor Sergio Ortelli the Ashoka Emblem. Ortelli had organised a homage programme for the victims on Jan 13. Kevin told us, "the whole day will be busy." (See box: Main events). Pics/Kevin Rebello
Giglio residents and relatives of the shipwreck victims take part in a vigil
French relatives of victims trace a name from a commemorative plaque bearing the names of the 32 people who lost their lives in the Concordia shipwreck. Pics/AFP
Main events
Kevin sent us this schedule of events in Giglio on January 13:
"At 8 am the rock that the ship hit will be immersed into the sea. If the weather is favourable, I will participate in the event.
At 11 am, a mass will be held in remembrance of all the people who lost their lives.
At 3 pm, a memorial stone will be unveiled.
At 6 pm, a concert in memory of the event
At 9:45 pm, the time of impact, a one-minute silence will be offered, and ships will sound sirens, to mark respect."
Meanwhile, Russel's parents stayed back home in Naigaon, Mumbai to honour his memory with their close ones. u00a0