Cruise captain sailed near island for head waiter: report [View all]

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The captain of an Italian cruise ship that ran aground near Giglio island passed close to its rocky shores to please the head waiter who comes from there, the Corriere della Sera reported Monday.

The report raised more allegations of irresponsible action by the ship's captain, Francesco Schettino, leading to the accident that left at least six people dead. The ship's operator has said he committed "errors of judgment".

According to the daily, shortly before the accident the captain called head waiter Antonello Tievoli to the bridge saying, "Antonello, come see, we are very close to your Giglio," said witnesses quoted by the newspaper.

Tievoli had been due for leave the week before but had to remain on board because a replacement could not be found, the paper said.

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