Costa to offer $18,100 to each passenger on sunken Concordia

ROME (REUTERS) - Several of Italy's consumer groups signed an agreement with Costa Cruises to offer about 11,000 euros (S$18,100) to each of the more than 3,000 passengers aboard the Costa Concordia when it hit a rock and capsized near the Italian island of Giglio on Jan 13, a statement from the consumer groups said.

The company has agreed to pay 11,000 euros for items lost and any psychological damages to each passenger who suffered no physical injuries. In addition, the cost of the cruise and all transportation will be covered. Passengers injured while abandoning the ship will be dealt with individually.

Those who accept the offer must agree to drop all future legal actions against Costa Cruises, according to the agreement.

Children will receive the same financial settlement as adults, and passengers will be paid within a week of accepting the offer.