Prosecutor Says Captain Left Ship Early

Published January 15, 2012 12:00PM (EST)

GIGLIO, Italy (AP) — An Italian prosecutor has confirmed allegations from passengers and others that the captain of the cruise ship Costa Concordia abandoned the stricken liner before all the passengers had left.

Three people are confirmed dead after the huge cruise ship carrying more than 4,200 people ran aground on Friday night.

Asked Sunday by Sky Italia TV about allegations that the captain had left the ship before the last passenger had been rescued, Grosseto prosecutor Francesco Verusio replied, "Unfortunately I must confirm that circumstance."

The captain, Francesco Schettino, was detained for questioning for suspected manslaughter, abandoning ship before all others and causing a shipwreck.


By Salon Staff

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