Filipino Concordia staff arrive home

Some 100 Filipino crew members of the Costa Concordia have completed their long journey home.

They touched down at Manila’s international airport late on Wednesday night where they were greeted by their families and friends.

Another 200 Filipino employees will arrive later this week.

Staff recounted the ship’s fatal journey. Cabin stewardess Gilda Gido returned clutching her life vest from the Concordia.

“That was what I was wearing when they announced to abandon ship. It became my companion. That’s why I took it home as a souvenir,” she said.

Snack steward Jericho Hipolito said: “Right now I want to take a break and think about what I’ll do next. I’ve been aboard the ship for five months, so I’ll take a vacation. I don’t know if I want to go back after the experience, but I’ll think about it.”

The accident off the Italian coast has affected people in all corners of the globe.

In the Peruvian town of Cuzco, well-wishers held a vigil for 25-year-old tourist Erika Soria, who has been missing for six days.

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