On Monday, testimonies began in the trial of Costa Concordia Captain, Francesco Schettino, who is being charged with manslaughter and causing a shipwreck. 

 

In his statement, the ships's first mate, Giovanni Iaccarino, told the court that the ship changed its course to pass by Giglio at a half mile away shortly before the ship struck a reef. Signor Iaccarino explained that the ship's crew "should have called the command from a distance of six miles," not from only a half mile away. He continued to state that the route change was never "notified to either the Giglio Port Authority or to the company." 

 

As the testimonies continue, more evidence against Captain Schettino is expected to develop. The list of potential witnesses exceeds 1,040 names. Audio extractions from the ship's black box will also contribute to evidence in the trial.