When the Costa Concordia crashed into rocks off Italy’s West Coast Friday night, it marked one of the most horrific ship accidents since the Titanic in 1912.

 

Captain Francesco Schettino has been placed under house arrest on suspicion of manslaughter after he allegedly steered the cruise ship off course. Further investigation into Captain Schettino’s actions has led to additional accusations that he abandoned his vessel before all passengers evacuated.

A recording released by Italian media outlets supports claims of negligence and even recklessness with regard to passenger safety. Reportedly, the Italian Coastguard made several requests that the captain fulfills his duty to passengers and crew on the stranded ship, and return to his vessel to facilitate the rescue process.  The captain, however, ignored these entreaties and seemed to focus more on his own safety, stating: “I’m in a lifeboat, I am under here. I am not going anywhere. I am here.” In hearing about the captain’s actions, Michael Murphy, national vice president of government relations for the largest union of merchant marine officers in the U.S., stated: “I would have stayed and I can probably speak for all the American colleagues that I know of . . . it’s sort of the American ethos, I guess. You don’t leave that ship until you’ve got the people off. That’s the type of leadership you expect from the captain.”

Cruise Liner Injury Claims require specific knowledge of maritime and admiralty litigation statutes, regulations and case law. If, as the result of negligence aboard a ship or other vessel, you or a family member has suffered catastrophic injuries, or if a loved one has died, please contact us through our website, or by calling (617) 742-1900; clients from outside of the Greater Boston, Massachusetts area may call toll-free at 1-800-545-3732. We are here to answer your questions and discuss how to protect your legal rights.
By James A. Swartz of Swartz & Swartz, P.C.Permalink

About the Author: James Swartz
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Mr. Swartz, our Managing and Principal Attorney at Swartz & Swartz P.C., is a nationally recognized and respected trial attorney as well as consumer advocate. His practice focuses on cases involving negligence, torts, products liability, medical malpractice, wrongful death, and other claims involving catastrophic injuries.

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