PANAMA (dpa-AFX) - An Italian court on Saturday convicted five employees of manslaughter over the Costa Concordia shipwreck off Giglio island which killed 32 people in January 2012, according to the several reports.
The reports noted that the five defendants were Roberto Ferrarini, director of the Italian cruise company's crisis unit, cabin service director Manrico Giampedroni, first officer Ciro Ambrosio, Indonesian helmsman Jacob Rusli Bin and third officer Silvia Coronica.
They received prison sentences ranging from 18 months to 34 months as the court agreed to plea bargains in order to avoid a lengthy trial, the reports said.
According to the reports, Captain Francesco Schettino is being tried separately. He is charged with multiple manslaughter for causing the shipwreck and abandoning the vessel with thousands still aboard. His case will resume in September. He too has made a plea-bargain request but it hasn't been considered by a judge. The captain faces up to 20 years if convicted of multiple manslaughter.
Costa Crociere, part of Carnival Corp. & plc. (CCL, CUK, CCL.L), agreed to pay a $1.3 million fine in April to settle possible criminal charges.
Most passengers have already accepted compensation of about 11,000 euros or $14,200 each, but remaining groups of survivors are holding out for more, the reports said.
Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX
© 2013 AFX News
