Has the official number of Survivors been reported?

Mutiny is a strong word. It may not be mutinous to abandon ship in the absence of orders. Perhaps the crew exercised initiative instead?

The article I read said there was 'discussion' with the captain and then some crew acted anyway. That sounds like mutiny to me. I will see if I can find the article...

From the BBC news today ...

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The captain of the Costa Concordia, which crashed into rocks off the Italian coast and capsized, has been criticised for allegedly leaving the ship while passengers were still on board. Is a ship's captain legally required to be the last one off?

In the popular tradition of the sea, a ship's captain is expected to stay until all the passengers have been safely evacuated.

Fixed in the public imagination is Captain Edward Smith of the Titanic, who was last seen on or near the bridge of the ship as it went down.

In contrast, Captain Francesco Schettino is said to have left the Costa Concordia while many passengers were still struggling to reach safety. He was later said to have taken a taxi to a hotel, asking the driver where he could buy socks.
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There was a great comment from reader feedback on one of the Internet news sites.
A guy observed ... "Italians and panic never go well together!".

Hahahahaha !
Well at least this captain knew enough to keep his toes warm after the crisis.

Does anyone know where the nautical tradition that "the captain must always be the last person to leave the ship" actually came from?
It seems to be a well-respected custom, but who exactly came up with it??

Pete2

If the Captain is being charged for not acting, is it mutany if they acted withou this consent?

Until the captain is relieved of command...

Boy, this captain should be a comedian!

According to this article, the captain is claiming that he left the ship early by accident.

There is another version: the captain must go down with the ship. I seem to recall this was practiced in certain navies way back when. Does anyone know the details?

I hope the more draconian version doesn't apply to us recreational boaters. Man, I'd hate to go down with my Sunfish.

On another note, I am sure there are many Italian men and women who will rise up to equanimity and courage in the face of panic and catastrophe. Just not Schettino.

Apparently you are if you shipwreck in Italian waters on an Italian-flagged ship. The captain is screwed.

From this article:

Arney got it. The Captain being the last one off when abandoning ship has long been tradition, but it is apparently codified in Italian maritime law. Former Captain Schettino has already been hammered in Italy's public opinion and will soon see it carried out in court.