Update: MSC has confirmed 10 passengers perished, and Costa has reported 3 passengers died in the assault.
MSC has officially reported that nine of the passengers aboard MSC Splendida have lost their lives in the terrorist attack yesterday at the famous Bardo National Museum.
Based on the communication made by official authorities, MSC Cruises, its ownership and entire management team report with profound sadness that at the time of this announcement nine of its guests are reported to have lost their lives, 12 were injured, and six (two Spanish nationals, one Belgian, one British, one French and one Japanese) are still unaccounted for in conjunction with the tragic event at the Bardo Museum. However, these numbers are still subject to modification whilst official identification is on-going.
According to sources, it would appear that of the victims, three were of Japanese nationality, two French, two Spanish and two were Colombian. The wounded, of which three Japanese nationals, one South African, one Belgian and seven French, are currently being treated in various hospitals. All of them are being assisted in person by members of the MSC Cruises Crisis Team that was immediately sent to Tunis to provide on the ground support.
According to MSC Cruises, the Executive Chairman, Pierfrancesco Vago, will arrive in Tunis in the early hours of 19 March in order to make a close assessment of the situation, also to provide assistance to the victims and their relatives as well as consult with local authorities.
“At this tragic time, the MSC Cruises family wishes to extend its most sincere and heartfelt condolences to all those who were affected by this tragic event and are suffering as a result, in particular to the families and friends of those who lost their lives as well as the injured ones.” was stated in the official report.
This is truly an awful and cowardly attack. Why in the name of God would they attack innocent bystanders who are just trying to enjoy their vacation? My heart goes out the families of those involved in this terrible event. One can only imagine the pain they must be in at this time.
