What did the captain of the Costa Concordia do wrong?
The tragic incident of the Costa Concordia cruise ship capsizing in January 2012 has left an indelible mark on the maritime industry and the public’s perception of safety at sea. At the heart of the disaster was the actions, or rather the lack thereof, of the ship’s captain, Francesco Schettino. This article aims to explore what the captain of the Costa Concordia did wrong, and how his actions contributed to the tragic outcome of the disaster.
The night of the disaster, Captain Schettino decided to deviate from the ship’s planned route, leading the vessel too close to the Italian island of Giglio. This decision was met with criticism from both passengers and maritime experts, as it was clear that the captain was attempting to impress his passengers with a daring maneuver. However, this deviation from the planned route was a clear breach of safety protocols and maritime regulations.
Ignoring Safety Protocols
Captain Schettino’s actions did not stop at the deviation from the route. As the ship approached the island, it struck a submerged rock, causing a massive gash in the hull. Despite the immediate threat to the ship and its passengers, Captain Schettino failed to issue a timely distress call. This delay in action was a critical mistake, as it allowed the situation to deteriorate further and put the lives of over 4,200 passengers and crew members at risk.
Inadequate Communication
Another significant failure on the part of Captain Schettino was his inadequate communication with the crew and passengers. After the collision, he was supposed to ensure that all passengers were accounted for and that the evacuation process was underway. However, he failed to do so, leaving many passengers stranded and unaware of the gravity of the situation. His decision to abandon the ship before all passengers were safely off was a direct violation of maritime law and his duty as the captain.
Abandoning the Ship
The most controversial action taken by Captain Schettino was his decision to abandon the ship while many passengers were still on board. As the ship began to sink, he was seen leaving the vessel in a lifeboat, leaving behind his crew and passengers. This act of desertion was not only a moral failing but also a legal one, as it is a violation of the Maritime Conventions Act. Captain Schettino’s abandonment of his duties resulted in the loss of lives and a profound sense of betrayal among the survivors.
In conclusion, the captain of the Costa Concordia, Francesco Schettino, made several critical mistakes that contributed to the tragic outcome of the disaster. His deviation from the planned route, failure to follow safety protocols, inadequate communication, and abandonment of the ship were all clear breaches of his duties as a captain. The lessons learned from this tragedy serve as a stark reminder of the importance of adherence to safety regulations and the responsibility that comes with the role of a ship’s captain.
