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Family Fights for Survival on Capsized Cruise Ship
15 Jul
Summary
- Family fought for survival after cruise ship Costa Concordia struck a rock.
- Lack of communication led to chaos during the evacuation.
- Their daughter Lilah, now 15, is a talented ballet dancer.
In July 2012, John and Meghan Scimone's family vacation aboard the Costa Concordia turned into a fight for survival. Their 14-month-old daughter, Lilah, was with them when the ship struck an underwater rock off Giglio Island, causing it to flood and list.
The situation quickly descended into chaos due to a lack of clear communication from the captain and crew, as passengers struggled to find lifeboats amid the panic. The ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, initially downplayed the incident and delayed the order to abandon ship. He was later sentenced to over 16 years in prison.
John and Meghan's efforts to save Lilah involved a desperate scramble, including hoisting her through an open hatch and later navigating a tilting ship to find safety. Despite a head injury sustained during their escape, Lilah was medically evaluated and thankfully recovered.
Now 15 years old, Lilah has had a normal childhood and is described as a well-rounded teenager with a passion for dance. She is a talented ballerina, and her parents feel fortunate for the lives they have been able to live since the traumatic event. The family, now including two younger siblings, resides in Austin, Texas.
