GROSSETO, Italy, Feb. 11 (UPI) -- The Costa Concordia's ex-first mate testified Tuesday he gave the abandon ship order when the liner ran aground off Italy's Tuscan coast in 2012, killing 32.
Roberto Bosio told the court in Grosseto he gave the abandon ship order after former Capt. Francesco Schettino "did not give the order" because he allegedly was on the phone telling subordinates to "wait," ANSA reported.
Schettino is on trial for multiple charges, including manslaughter, arising from the January 2012 incident, when the Costa Concordia ran aground off Giglio Island.
"I pushed the abandon ship button," Bosio testified.
On the stand, Bosio said the ship's officers were "swearing" at Schettino and had displayed "anger."
Schettino has denies the charges and claims he made a last-minute maneuver that saved lives.
