The captain of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship, Francesco Schettino, has been serving a 16-year prison sentence since 2016 for his role in the tragic disaster that claimed the lives of 33 passengers. The incident occurred on January 13, 2012, when the ship sank off the coast of Italy after a failed maneuver.
Schettino’s defense for abandoning ship has been met with skepticism. He claimed that he accidentally fell into a lifeboat while trying to assist passengers. According to his testimony, he was not wearing a life jacket, having given it to a passenger, and was attempting to coordinate an orderly evacuation. However, he allegedly tripped and ended up in a lifeboat.
The captain’s actions have been widely criticized, with many labeling him “Captain Coward.” Prosecutors argued that Schettino’s reckless behavior, including steering the ship too close to the island of Giglio to impress a young dancer, Domnica Cemortan, contributed to the disaster.
Schettino denied being distracted by Cemortan, who was reportedly his lover. Instead, he claimed that he was trying to please his passengers by performing a maritime salute, which involved sailing close to the island. He also wanted to honor a retired captain and appease the ship’s head waiter, who was from the island.
The Costa Concordia disaster was met with widespread outrage and condemnation. The ship’s owners, Costa Crociere, were criticized for their handling of the incident. The total cost of the disaster is estimated to be around $2 billion.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safety protocols and responsible leadership. Schettino’s actions have had far-reaching consequences, and his bizarre excuse for abandoning ship has only added to the outrage surrounding the tragedy.
