German passengers lay complaint against Concordia captain

Feb 1, 2012, 12:39 GMT

Berlin - Passengers rescued last month from the sinking Italian cruise liner Costa Concordia have filed a police complaint in Germany against the ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, and his senior officers, a lawyer said Wednesday.

The 19 alleged the officers 'negligently caused bodily harm, exposed them to danger, imperilled navigation and failed to provide help to persons in distress,' said Hans Reinhardt, the lawyer, in the western town of Marl.

Prosecutors in nearby Bochum confirmed a complaint had been received, but said they had not read it yet.

Reinhardt indicated the filing was not intended to lead to a criminal trial in Germany, but rather to reinforce claims for damages against the Italian shipping company, allowing him access to investigatory documents.

If Italy puts any of the officers on trial, the German passengers could be represented by their own lawyer in the court, he added.

He said the captain, 52, had abandoned his passengers and placed them in mortal danger by negligent conduct. One of his clients broke her pelvis and the others suffered bruises, abrasions and traumatic distress, with nightmares and feelings of panic since the sinking.

The toll so far from the wreck is 17 confirmed dead and 15 missing.

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