Costa Concordia Captain's Sentence Upheld

   June 1, 2016 ,   Accidents

An Italian appeals court upheld the 16-year jail term handed to Francesco Schettino, captain of the sunken Costa Concordia.

In 2012, the ship sank off the coast of Italy leaving 32 people dead.

Schettino, who was sentenced to 16 years and 1 month in prison back in February 2015 for multiple manslaugher, was not present in court when the appeal verdict was read out. It is understood he won't be jailed immediately due to possible further appeal.

Following the original 19-month long trial, Schettino was convicted of causing maritime accident and abandoning ship before all cruise passengers and crew had been evacuated.

The company of Costa Cruises avoided potential criminal charges by accepting partial responsibility and agreeing to pay a fine of €1 million.

On top of his prison term, Francesco Schettino was banned from public office for life, as well as from working as a ship captain for 5 years.

For a most detailed analysis see our review of Costa Concordia accident. The article also includes information on the salvage plan and procedures, as well as updates on the cruise ship's removal operation.