Francesco Schettino, the captain on the helm of the ill-fated Costa Concordia cruise ship catastrophe, has filed for an early launch from jail. Schettino, now age 64, petitioned for launch, about midway by means of his 16-year sentence. A courtroom listening to is deliberate for early March to listen to the petition.
Francesco Schettino Applies For ‘Semi-Liberty’ Launch
Native media report he’s searching for “semi-liberty,” which permits prisoners with an excellent habits file to finish their sentence exterior the jail so long as they’ve served not less than half of their time period.
The Costa Concordia sank within the Mediterranean in 2012 with 32 lives misplaced onboard in addition to one rescue employee. The physique of 1 sufferer was by no means recovered. It was among the many worst cruise ship disasters in latest historical past. Schettino was closely criticized for his actions, particularly abandoning the ship whereas it was sinking with visitors nonetheless onboard. Dozens have been additionally injured.
Following years of failed appeals, Schettino began his jail sentence in 2017. He was convicted of dereliction of responsibility, a number of counts of manslaughter, inflicting a shipwreck, and abandoning his passengers. the ship had modified course because it left port and slammed right into a submerged rock close to Giglio Island.
The hull was badly ruptured inflicting the ship to checklist and ultimately sink. It flooded the engine room and the ship was left helpless with none energy. Costa Concordia was carrying 3,200 passengers and greater than 1,000 crew members.
Catastrophe Sparked New Business-Extensive Security Requirements
The catastrophe led to widespread trade adjustments, following a chaotic evacuation course of. Operator Costa Cruises was fined over $1 million and paid out thousands and thousands in settlements with visitors and victims’ households.
Dad or mum firm Carnival Company additionally initiated up to date administration and security coaching. Some victims’ households have reacted with anger to Schettino’s petition for early launch.
The incident led to cruise trade reform and stricter protocols onboard like enhanced muster drills.
Learn extra: Can a Cruise Ship Tip Over?
