Family – Heils Not Among Recovered Passengers

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) - The children of an American couple missing since last week's cruise ship disaster in Italy says their parents are not among those passengers whose bodies were recently recovered.

The Heil family posted the information on a blog Wednesday.

Barbara and Jerry Heil, of White Bear Lake, Minn., were on the Costa Concordia when it struck a reef Friday near Tuscany. They are still missing.

Family members say they are praying that search and rescue operations will be able to continue soon. Italian rescue workers suspended operations early Wednesday after the cruise ship shifted on the rocks.

Friends and supporters are expected to gather at a candlelight vigil at the Heil's church on Wednesday to pray. The vigil at the Church of St. Pius X starts at 7 p.m.

(Copyright 2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved)