Capsized cruise ship will remain an eyesore on the Italian coast until next spring

Officials say the capsized Costa Concordia cruise ship will not be moved from its resting place off Italy’s Tuscan coast as quickly as planned.

Giglio island Mayor Sergio Ortelli told reporters Monday that the timetable for removal of the liner, now lying on its side off the island’s port, has been pushed back.

The Italian government office overseeing removal said in a statement that the Concordia should be set upright and able to float again by the end of spring 2013, ahead of Giglio’s next tourist season.

Salvage experts in May had predicted towing could start in early 2013.

Thirty-two people died when the Concordia rammed a reef off Giglio in January and capsized. Its Italian captain is under investigation for alleged manslaughter and abandoning ship.