The Italian authorities today reported the postponement until next to transfer the cruise ship Costa Concordia, whose sinking in 2012 off the TuscanislandofGigliokilled 32 people.

The vessel, nearly 300 feet long, must travel with the help of tugboats, about 200 nautical miles (370 km) to reach the area where it will be dismantled operation that was scheduled for tomorrow.

According to Franco Gabrielli, head of Civil Protection, the decision to postpone the transfer is due to delays in the preparation of and refloating the cruise and not to climatic conditions as originally announced.

The ship remained for more than two years at the site of the tragedy on an underwater platform and was elevated 12 meters above the structure, but has yet to emerge ten feet, local media reported. 

But Gabrielli said the start date of the transfer may vary.

The Costa Concordia sank in January 2012 with more than four thousand people on board and the captain, Francesco Schettino, was accused of multiple manslaughter, abandoning ship, being responsible for the sinking and no timely notice to the Coast Guard.