It was a quiet evening at sea, Friday, January 13, 2012. Cruise passengers aboard the Costa Concordia enjoyed dinner, dancing and entertainment on their voyage around the Mediterranean.
On the bridge of command, at the same time, Captain Francesco Schettino decided to deviate from the route and go near the island of Giglio, off the coast of Tuscany, and honk and show the ship.
A greeting gear made before, but this evening something went wrong.
The 300 meter long, huge ship ran on the rocks outside Giglio and a long hole was torn up in the hull.
Impossible to control
The boat took in water, became impossible to steer, ran aground and sank.
As it was so close to land, the upper part of the ship ended up above the water surface.
Most could be rescued but 32 people, both passengers and crew, lost their lives.
The youngest victim was five-year-old Dyana Arlotti who was traveling with her father and drowned inside the boat.
The captain abandoned his ship and put himself in safety despite being ordered by the port commander in Livorno by telephone to return on board immediately.
16 years in prison
He was sentenced to 16 years in prison for manslaughter, for causing the accident and for abandoning the ship.
In retrospect, many believe that the shipping company Costa Crociere got away too cheaply and that Schettino was appointed scapegoat.
He is in the Rebibbia prison in Rome, where he is studying law and journalism.
A memorial service will be held at Giglio during the day and will be broadcast on Italian television.