It turns out some people did jump from the ship into the water. Here is a video captured from a helicopter:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ucxfdfDzTvY

Quote:
"It was easier for people to jump into the sea because we were on the same level as that water so some people pretty much just decided to swim as they were not able to get on the lifeboats."


http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2012/jan/16/british-survivors-recall-costa-concordia
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If you're reading this, it's too late.