Captain of ship that hit rocks was asleep
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.The captain of a 130-metre cargo ship that hit rocks in Messina on the Sicilian coast at the weekend dozed off with the ship on autopilot, it emerged yesterday.
Under interrogation by magistrates, the commander of the Hc Rubina – 41-year-old Ukrainian Sergy Kryvodud – said he only awoke when the vessel was too close to shore to avoid a collision.
The ship is grounded, yards from people's homes, in the port's Ganzirri district. Warnings from the coast guard, which detected the ship's approach on Saturday night, were initially ignored. When Mr Kryvodud woke there was only time to slow the ship and reduce the impact. He is suspected by prosecutors of causing a shipwreck and violating marine law.
Two months ago the Costa Concordia liner hit rocks off the Tuscan islands of Giglio with the loss of 32 lives. It was reported yesterday that the Costa Concordia's captain, Francesco Schettino is planning to write a book which will give his version of the disaster.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments