Honeymooners Ian and Janice Donoff were so affected by the disaster that they still avoid big crowds.
The newlyweds from Edgware were watching a magic show on the Costa Concordia when they heard a “bump and scraping noise”. They realised something was wrong and went to their cabin to collect warm clothes and passports as the ship listed towards an 80-degree angle.
They were among hundreds of passengers trying to climb a 10ft ladder through a porthole, then six storeys down a rope ladder into a coastguard boat. Mrs Donoff, 60, a solicitor, lost her shoes and lifejacket in a “melée of people”. She is about to have counselling.
Mr Donoff, 63, a retired chartered surveyor, said: “There was a stage where I thought we wouldn’t make it — the boat started tipping more, to a very acute angle. I said to my new wife that if it tips any further we won’t stand a bloody chance. It was unbelievable that the captain had fallen into a lifeboat and we were still on the ship until 4.30am.
“Hundreds of people clambering over each other to get to this 10ft ladder. No one was taking charge.
I was in a melée of people, making sure I didn’t let go of my wife. There was quite an animal instinct, the adrenaline rushes through your blood.” He added: “My wife can’t stand big crowds, she’s always freaking out. When we go to the theatre we hold back until everyone has gone.”
The couple are “in negotiation” over legal action pending the outcome of Mrs Donoff’s counselling.
Costa Cruises said 70 per cent of uninjured passengers and 93 per cent of crew had accepted some kind of compensation. It added: “We also provided a programme of psychological assistance to any crew member who requested it.”
