Rochester couple survive Costa Concordia sinking.

A holidaying couple from Rochester, John and Mandy Rodford, say they will never go on a cruise again, after being rescued from stricken cruise ship, the Costa Concordia.

Mr Rodford was unimpressed with the staff on board, who gave little instruction in English of what to do or where to go. As the drama unfolded, only chefs and waiters seemed to be helping and there were no deck crew to be seen. The Radfords said they had found their way into one lifeboat initially but because of the angle the boat was listing at, the lifeboat became stuck. They were eventually helped down over the side and arrived safely back in the UK yesterday. 

The couple spoke to the BBC at Heathrow Airport.

The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, has been held by authorities on suspicion of causing deaths, with the ship's owners, Costa Crociere, issuing the following statement. "It seems that the commander made errors of judgement that had serious consequences. The route followed by the ship turned out to be too close to the coast, and it seems that his decision in handling the emergency didn't follow Costa Crociere's procedures which are in line, and in some cases, go beyond, international standards."

So far, six people are confirmed dead, with a further sixteen people unaccounted for.