"FOR sale, one cruise ship - slight damage to right-hand hull, mainly cosmetic."

This was the description that an Aussie used in his "joke" bid to sell the stricken Costa Concordia cruise ship on eBay, which has been pulled from the website.

With a starting price of $1, the seller warned of “some water damage to interior” of the ship and said the carpets may need to be replaced. It also stated the ship had one “careful owner” and must be collected by the buyer.

An eBay spokesperson said the ad, for which bidding reached $1008.88 with six days to go, was taken down as it was not appropriate for the website.

“EBay does not permit listings that attempt to profit from human tragedy or suffering," the spokesperson said.

"As a result, we are immediately removing this listing from eBay.com.au.”

There was a warning on the listing stating it was “obviously a fake and should not be taken seriously”.

The disclaimer is perhaps in response to this question posted on the site:

“I notice that you haven't given the option for insurance with shipping. I've heard of a cruise ship accident in the news recently and it's got me a bit worried. Are there no circumstances under which you would insure the ship while shipping?”

To which the seller responded: “Ahh noo speek englishhh”.

There were a flood of questions about the ship, including one that asked whether the rock he heard the captain tripped on before falling into the lifeboat would be included. According to the seller, yes.

In pictures: Costa Concordia underwater