COSTA CONCORDIA WRONGFUL DISMISSAL BID
Thursday October 11th, 2012
COSTA CONCORDIA CAPTAIN'S WRONGFUL DISMISSAL BID
Francesco Schettino, the skipper of the Costa Concordia, is suing his ex-employees, Costa Cruises, for wrongful dismissal. The former captain of the vessel that ran into rocks off the coast of Tuscany causing the death of 32 people was ridiculed throughout Italy and Europe following the tragedy in January this year. Tee-shirts were even printed featuring the order from the coast guard for Mr Schettino to 'Get Back on Board Damn It!' He stands accused of causing the accident by sailing the luxury cruise liner too close to shore as well as facing charges of multiple manslaughter and abandoning ship.
Lawyer, Bruno Leporatti, said, 'It is the right of every worker to appeal against his dismissal and Captain Schettino has done no more than exercise that right... There is nothing to contest or be amazed about, unless we want to say that what the law allows for all citizens doesn't apply for Francesco Schettino.'
It is alleged that Mr Schettino brought the 290-metre long Costa Concordia too close to shore where it hit a well-mapped rocky area. He then delayed evacuation, lost control of the operation and left the sinking ship with many of the 4,200 passengers and crew still on board.
The Naples-born defendant has always acknowledged making mistakes but claims he is not the only one who should be blamed for the tragic turn of events.
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