Rome: Officials say the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship will not be moved from its resting place off Italy`s Tuscan coast as quickly as planned.
Giglio island Mayor Sergio Ortelli told reporters o Monday that the timetable for removal of the liner, now lying on its side off the island`s port, has been pushed back.
The Italian government office overseeing removal said in a statement that the Concordia should be set upright and able to float again by the end of spring 2013, ahead of Giglio`s next tourist season.
Salvage experts in May had predicted towing could start in early 2013.
Thirty-two people died when the Concordia rammed a reef off Giglio in January and capsized. Its Italian captain is under investigation for alleged manslaughter and abandoning ship.
PTI
