Italian prosecutors have accepted a plea bargain from Costa Crociere and have imposed a €1 million fine to settle potential criminal charges against the company in relation to the capsize of Costa Concordia in January 2012.
The company had been under investigation as the employer of the crew of the ship which hit a rock off the island of Giglio, resulting in 32 deaths.
Prosecutors now say they are satisfied with a preliminary court ruling and will not proceed with a criminal trial against Costa. However, the ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino, still faces charges of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, and abandoning his vessel. He could face up to 20 years in jail if found guilty.
Five other members of the crew, including Schetttino’s first officer and three members of a crisis unit set up by Costa to handle the incident, also face indictment and trial.
The deal will have no effect on civil proceedings being brought against Costa by passengers, crew, and the relatives of those who died.
Costa lawyer Marco de Luca said: “This is a balanced decision. It is the most reasonable solution,” but the company had no further comment.
About the Author: John Honeywell
John Honeywell is a travel writer specialising in cruise ships and cruise travel. Winner of CLIA UK's Contribution to Cruise award 2017.
Balanced decision :)) Yeah right! Maybe they should invest in technology so stuff like this never happens again.
We are now surrounded by self parking cars, self piloted airplanes but a huge ship in a huge sea got stuck in some rocks, it flipped and now they have to blame the captain.
I wouldn’t agree with that. Unfortunately nobody can insure the life of another.
Lincoln said: “I have always found that mercy bears richer fruits than strict justice.” and I find it true.