Italian prosecutors have asked a court to convict and sentence the captain of the ill-fated 'Costa Concordia' cruise liner to more than 26 years in jail.
The Guardian reported that prosecutor Maria Navarro said Francesco Schettino, who was in command of the vessel when it hit rocks off the island of Giglio in Italy in January 2012, should face multiple charges. These includ manslaughter, causing a shipwreck, abandoning ship and giving false testimony. Mr Navarro said if convicted, Mr Schettino should be jailed immediately because he was a flight risk.
In Italy it is common for defendants to be granted bail before an appeal trial. The 'Costa Concordia' capsized and sank when it hit rocks after Mr Schettino steered the ship too close to Giglio's shore in a "salute" manoeuvre. Over 4,000 passengers and crew were on board at the time and 32 lost their lives.