"Costa Concordia" captain surprisingly withdraws application for work

By Robert Messer

Rome (Italy) - The imprisoned ex-captain of the sunken cruise ship "Costa Concordia", Francesco Schettino (64), has surprisingly withdrawn his application for open execution.

Just over 13 years ago, the Costa Concordia was wrecked off the Italian island of Giglia.
Just over 13 years ago, the Costa Concordia was wrecked off the Italian island of Giglia.  © Enzo Russo/ANSA/epa/dpa

The 64-year-old Italian wanted to be able to leave prison during the day to work. However, there had now been difficulties with the work proposal, Schettino's lawyer told journalists.

Schettino had therefore decided to withdraw the application himself. "If the conditions are right in the future to submit the application again, we will do so," said Francesca Carnicelli. The proceedings were discontinued.

Schettino's plan was actually to work outside of prison on a digitization project for the Vatican's cathedral building workshop.

Schettino is serving a prison sentence of 16 years and one month for the Costa Concordia cruise ship accident off the Tuscan island of Giglio on January 13, 2012.

The Italian has now served more than half of his sentence and has therefore also reached the deadline for more relaxed enforcement measures.

Francesco Schettino (64), the captain of the ship involved in the accident, was held responsible for the deaths of 32 passengers.
Francesco Schettino (64), the captain of the ship involved in the accident, was held responsible for the deaths of 32 passengers.  © Maurizio Degl'innocenti/ANSA/epa/dpa

Schettino bears the main blame for the Costa Concordia accident

The main blame for the capsizing of the "Costa Concordia" is being placed on Schettino. He had steered the ship too close to the island of Giglio. The captain was also criticized for abandoning the ship while the passengers were still being evacuated. 32 people lost their lives in the cruise disaster.

Twelve German passengers were among the fatalities.