(Natsot - horns, cheering etc)
For the first time in more than two years, there was reason to celebrate on the Island of Giglio.
After a salvage operation of unprecedented scale, the doomed Costa Concordia was rotated 90 degrees, and prepared for its final journey...to a scrapyard in Genoa.
(More natsot)
In Giglio's dock side bars and restaurants, the beer flowed, as salvage workers, like Lee Anderson, toasted their historic achievement.
(SOUNDBITE) (English) SALVAGE WORKER, LEE ANDERSON, SAYING:
"Quite now, it's surreal. You can't explain it. We will realise it in a week's time I think."
And for local residents, the Concordia's removal will mark a new chapter. Thirty-two people were killed when the ship ran aground in January, 2012, and while the tragedy's aftermath still lingers, the visual reminder will soon be gone.
