Here’s the transcript between Capt. Schettino and Coast Guard officials, first published by Corriere della Sera and confirmed by the Coast Guard.
This took place after the 114,500-ton ship was starting to list after hitting a rock as passengers were evacuating.
Captain Schettino: It’s Capt. Schettino.
Port Authority: Schettino, listen to me, there are people trapped on board; now you go back; you will go with your rescue boat under the stern of the ship. There are some steps; you climb those steps, and you get onboard, and you get back to me letting me know how many people are on board. Is that clear to you? I am actually recording this conversation, captain.
PA: Speak in a loud voice.
Captain: So, the ship right now (inaudible)…
PA: Speak in a loud voice! Put your hand by the microphone to cover it and speak up! Is that clear?
Captain: So, right now, the ship is tilted.
PA: I understand that. Listen to me, there are people that are getting off using the rope ladder on the stern side. You go back there, and you go up that ladder the opposite way, you go onboard the ship, and you tell me how many people. And what they need. You tell me if there are children, women, or people that need assistance, and you give me a number for each one of these categories is that clear? Look Schettino, you may have saved yourself from the sea but will put you through a lot of trouble it will be very bad for you! Get back on board, for Christ’s sake!!!
Captain: Officer, please.
PA: There are no “pleases”! Get back on board! Please assure me that you are going back on board.
Captain: I am here on the rescue boat. I’m right here, I didn’t go anywhere else. I’m here.
PA: What are you doing, captain?
Captain: I’m here to coordinate rescue operations.
PA: What are you coordinating? Get back on board and coordinate rescue operations from onboard the ship.
PA: Do you refuse to do that?
Captain: No, I’m not refusing to do that.
PA: Are you refusing to back on board?
Captain: No, I am not refusing to go back. I am not going because the other rescue boat stopped.
PA: Get back on board! This is an order! You don’t need to make any other assessment. You have declared that you have abandoned ship therefore, I’m in command. Get back on board right now. Is that clear?
Captain: Officer.
PA: Can you not hear me?
Captain: I’m getting back on board.
PA: Then go! And call me right away when you are on board. There’s my rescuer there.
Captain: Where is your rescuer?
PA: My rescuer is on the stern side. Go! There are already bodies, Schettino! Go!
Captain: Officer, how many bodies are there?
PA: I don’t know. I know about one… I’ve heard about one, but you must tell me! [expletive]!
Captain: Do you realize it’s dark out here, and we can’t see anything?
PA: What do you want to do? Do you want to go home? It’s dark, so do you want to go home? Get on the stern of that ship, climb the ladder, and tell me what can be done, how many people are there, and what they need. Right now!
Captain: I’m here with my second officer.
PA: You and your second officer must get back on board right now. Is that clear?
Captain: I just wanted to tell you that the other rescue boat here with other rescuers stopped. It’s just stopped. Now I’ve called the other rescuers.
PA: You’ve been telling me the same thing for an hour now. Get back on board! On board! And you get back to me right away telling me how many people are there.
Captain: It’s fine, officer, I’m going.
PA: Then go right now!
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End of transcript.
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