ICCA has released the following statement regarding the sinking of Costa Concordia:

The International Cruise Council Australasia (ICCA) in conjunction with the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the European Cruise Council (ECC), the Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) and other cruise industry associations around the world, continue to closely monitor the situation regarding the Costa Concordia.

First and foremost, we extend our deepest sympathies to the passengers and crew who were on board and especially to the families of passengers and crew who lost loved ones. On behalf of all cruise line members, we would also like to pay tribute to all those who worked tirelessly to evacuate the ship to help minimise casualties.

We would also like to reassure other cruise ship passengers that all our member lines are subject to the highest safety standards around the world according to international maritime requirements.

Accidents such as this one are an extremely rare occurrence in the cruise industry, and cruising continues to be one of safest means of travel in the holiday market.