[QODLink]
Europe
Captain vilified for abandoning sinking ship
Five days since the Costa Concordia sank, it has now become a story not simply of tragedy, but also of morality.
Last Modified: 18 Jan 2012 23:42

Five days since the Costa Concordia sank off the coast of Italy, it has now become a story not simply of tragedy, but also of morality with two men at its heart.

The first being Francesco Schettino, the captain who steered the cruise liner to its watery end, and who has been vilified for deserting his post just when he was needed the most.

The second is the coast guard, Gregorio De Falco, who pleaded angrily with Schettino to return to the stricken ship to help his passengers and crew.

Schettino's hesitation after being ordered back onto the sinking ship by De Falco has provoked almost universal criticism, with residents on Giglio Island disgusted by the captain's refusal.

Paul Brennan reports from Giglio Island.
Source:
Al Jazeera
Topics in this article
People
Country
Featured on Al Jazeera
Al Jazeera's exclusive publishing of a key Guantanamo prison military document lays bare the brutality of force-feeding.
Former military official says poverty and anger in indigenous communities mean conditions for an "insurgency" are ripe.
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Series on the Palestinian 'catastrophe' of 1948 that led to dispossession and conflict that still endures.
Featured
Hezbollah and Syria
Lebanon-based militia is assisting villagers caught up in the conflict.
Syria: The War Within
Two years since the start of the uprising, rebels and Assad's forces remain locked in conflict.
Afghan archaeology
Ancient ruins of Mes Aynak threatened by planned Chinese mining project.
China Rising
A four-part series that gives a rare insight into the country on the move, with history in tow.
Crisis in Bangladesh
Extensive coverage of war crimes tribunals and controversial calls for blasphemy laws.
join our mailing list