Waters around wrecked Costa Concordia OK

ROME, Feb. 7 (UPI) -- Waters in the area where the Costa Concordia cruise ship wrecked off Italy's Tuscan coast pose no danger to the environment, an Italian official said Tuesday.

Franco Gabrielli, the Civil Protection director, told the Italian Senate the parameters of the water, "although they are not those of crystalline water, are within the legal limits and at the moment there are no dangers for the environment," ANSA reported.

Concern has been expressed that fuel from the crippled Costa Concordia would seep from the ship after it hit rocks and capsized Jan. 13 off the island of Giglio.

The death toll is 17, but 15 people remain unaccounted-for and are presumed dead. The ship carried 4,200 passengers and crew. Its captain, Francesco Schettino, is under house arrest at his home near Naples and faces charges of abandoning ship and multiple counts of manslaughter. He has denied the allegations.