VIDEO: As cruise ship search stops, U.S. officials say such a situation here is unlikely

Italian Coast Guard officials suspended their search for survivors on the Costa Concordia on Wednesday, amidst fears that the shifting ship could injure or kill the rescuers.

At the same time, U.S. Coast Guard officials told the Associated Press that such an incident is highly unlikely in the United States.

According to the BBC, Italian officials have determined that the ship has shifted since earlier measurements were taken. They're in the process of trying to determine if the ship has reached a new, stable resting point, or if it's expected to shift further.

"Officials are hoping to begin salvage work soon, including pumping oil off the wreck, as hopes fade of finding any more survivors," the BBC said.

In the United States, Coast Guard officials are pointing to the safety inspections and surprise audits they conduct as being designed to prevent the sorts of disasters unfolding in Italy.

"During the annual exam and semi-annual exam, we deploy all the lifeboats on the outboard side," Coast Guard Lt. Commander Dan Brehem said to the AP. "Also, during the annual exam, they'll deploy a life raft, so we get to see the crew's proficiency."

Coast Guard Says Audits Make Italy Scenario Unlikely in US
US News Video by NewsLook
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