While things certainly do look very damning for the captain, don't forget that when this trial moves from the media to a court room there will be other very powerful people who will be facing some very awkward questions. Some of these people may not be above starting a propaganda war to ensure that the blame lies firmly with the captain rather than anyone ashore in Livorno or Florida.
If the master "deviated from the programmed course" as the company claimed he did, who programmed the course and why, if as it appears did the audits which both the company and flag state are legally required to carry out not uncover these regular flagrant breaches of procedure that no-one ashore knew anything about, ever, your honour?
The company claim that he did not follow the Costa evacuation procedures, would these procedures themselves hold up to scrutiny, or will it be more convenient for everyone to be focusing on the fact that they weren't followed?
The passenger evacuation drill was delayed, there is an allowance for this to happen in SOLAS, if certain other controls are put in place (a safety video being continually played on the passenger TV circuit and passengers to receive a brief safety lecture), did the company ensure that these were in place.
Yes, it looks as though the captain has made some very serious mistakes, for which he should be made to answer, but the media are only reporting the information that they are being given, take a look at who is giving them that information.
