The captain of the wrecked cruise ship Costa Concordia, Francesco Schettino, has appealed a court decision convicting him of multiple manslaughter and other charges for his part in the fatal 2012 disaster.
In February of last year, Schettino was sentenced to 16 years in jail. His defense argues that the court was mistaken in charging him with primary responsibility for the wreck, which resulted in the deaths of 32 people.
Legal counsel Saverio Senese suggested that there were other factors leading to the accident, “and we hope to be able to show that.” Senese pointed to shipowner Costa Crociere, the actions of the Concordia’s helmsman, and to coast guard authorities for partial responsibility.
“We will ask that the responsibility of all the protagonists in this affair be redefined, not just that of our client,” said Donato Laino, another member of Schettino’s legal team.
