Concordia captain says he'd command again

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NAPLES, Italy, Jan. 30 (UPI) -- The captain of the Costa Concordia cruise ship on which 32 people died when it capsized last year off the Italian coast said he'd command another ship.

Francesco Schettino said Wednesday, he'd "gladly return to the helm" of another cruise liner as commander, ANSA reported.

Schettino was in court in Naples for a hearing about the decision by his employer, Costa Crociere, to fire him in July. Schettino's lawyers argue the process Costa Crociere used was not proper.

A decision is expected in February.

The cruise company dismissed him after the Jan. 13, 2012, disaster, when the cruise ship capsized near the island of Giglio.

ANSA said Schettino, who faces a possible indictment on multiple manslaughter charges, did not speak during Wednesday's hearing.