Chaos on the bridge

Video footage from the bridge of Costa Concordia has revealed how an initially casual approach to the accident was replaced by panic.

Italian TV’s TG5 programme broadcast pictures showing turmoil among officers after the Costa Cruises vessel hit rocks and later capsized off Giglio on 13 January killing at least 17 people.

Shortly after the ship was holed, the footage shows the relaxed response of the bridge team.

An arrow points to a man presumed to be captain Francesco Schettino

But after less than 30 minutes, with the ship listing at 20 degrees, disarray has set in.

A man identified as captain Francesco Schettino is seen talking on the phone while a senior colleague shouts: “What do we do?”

Then, 25 minutes before the "abandon ship" signal is given, one officer is heard saying: "Passengers are getting into the life boats", to which a man believed to be Schettino replies: "Va buon", which can mean "whatever" or "ok, that's good".

The film also appears to reveal officers saying they were leaving the ship 10 minutes before the order was given to passengers.

The Corriere della Sera newspaper speculated that the sounds of heels near the mystery cameraman or woman meant that the married captain's presumed lover, Domnica Cemortan, 24, may have taken the video.

She is considered a key witness after it emerged she was on the bridge when Costa Concordia hit the rocks, having earlier dined with the captain.

Schettino is currently under house arrest and may be charged with multiple manslaughter and with abandoning ship before his passengers.

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