Captain Francesco Schettino, the master of the Costa Concordia cruise ship that capsized off the coast of Italy in 2012, is currently serving a 16-year prison sentence at Rebibbia prison in Rome. He was convicted of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, and abandoning passengers, earning the infamous nickname 'Captain Coward' after he left the vessel before all passengers were evacuated.
What Happened During the Costa Concordia Disaster?
On January 13, 2012, the Costa Concordia struck a rock near the island of Giglio after Schettino ordered the ship to sail close to shore as a salute. The collision tore a 70-meter gash in the hull, causing the ship to take on water and eventually capsize. Schettino waited more than an hour before giving the order to abandon ship, and he failed to provide accurate information to authorities about the severity of the situation. Of the more than 4,000 passengers and crew on board, 32 people died.
Why Was Schettino Called 'Captain Coward'?
Audio recordings and footage from the night of the disaster revealed that Schettino abandoned the bridge and took a lifeboat for himself, refusing to return despite direct orders from a Coastguard commander. A police officer even offered him a dinghy to go back, but he declined. The media widely dubbed him 'Captain Coward' for his actions.
What Was the Trial and Sentence?
Schettino was arrested days after the incident and faced a lengthy trial. During proceedings, he claimed he ordered the ship off course to please the head waiter, whose family came from Giglio, and to pay tribute to a retired captain. Prosecutors argued he steered too close to the island to show off to a dancer who was with him on the bridge. He also blamed communication problems with the helmsman. In February 2015, Schettino was found guilty of manslaughter and abandoning ship, receiving a 16-year sentence: ten years for manslaughter, five years for causing the shipwreck, and one year for abandoning passengers, to be served consecutively. After exhausting all appeals, he began serving his sentence in 2017.
Where Is Francesco Schettino Now?
Schettino is currently incarcerated at Rebibbia prison in Rome. He has attempted to gain early release or parole, but according to Maritime Executive, he is not due for full release until 2033.
Netflix Documentary: Shipwrecked: Nightmare At Sea
Netflix's documentary 'Shipwrecked: Nightmare At Sea' explores the disaster, featuring never-before-seen footage and survivor accounts. Although Schettino did not participate directly, the film includes recreations of his conversations with crew and images from his trial.
