Search on Costa Concordia shipwreck put on hold

Rescuers on Tuesday put on hold plans to resume searching the wreck of the Costa Concordia amid forecasts of strong winds and rough seas, DPA reported. Scuba divers broke off their search of the half-sunken cruise ship on Monday and officials said they would wait for clear indications on weather conditions before deciding whether to deploy the divers. To date, 17 people have been certified dead from the January 13 accident in which the Concordia ran aground near the island of Giglio, off Italy's western coast. Some 16 people remain missing, but attempts to inspect the 290 metre-long vessel have been repeatedly interrupted due to inclement weather and shifts in the Concordia's position. The ship is lodged on the underwater boulders upon which it ran aground, but still can tilt as it settles. Officials say too much movement is dangerous for the divers.