Costa Concordia captain claims ship transfer proves he ‘made the right decision’

Former Costa Concordia captain Francesco Schettino has claimed the successful transfer of the shipwreck to Genoa last week proved he made the right decision to abandon the ship.

Mr Schettino, dubbed Captain Courageous, is on trial in Tuscany after he abandoned the cruise ship the night it hit rocks near the island of Giglio in January 2012.

Thirty-two people died in the disaster.

He has denied the charges but faces 20 years in prison if found guilty.

The UK Telegraph reported that Mr Schettino released a statement about the disaster as salvage workers began preparations to dismantle the 114,500 tonne vessel.

"The successful and commendable result of this complex operation, in which the Concordia was recovered without any environmental damage, has strengthened my conviction of having made the right decision to leave it resting on the seabed," Mr Schettino said.

Mr Schettino has consistently denied that the accident was his fault.

It took nearly 18 months before the wreck could be refloated and towed.