Concordia helmsman found in Indonesia

Helmsman Jacob Rusil Bin was found by Interpol in the countryside outside the Indonesian capital Jakarta, Corriere della Sera reported on Wednesday.

Former crew of the Costa Concordia, Rusil Bin was steering the cruise ship when it ran aground off the coast of Tuscany on January 13th 2012 with over 4,000 people on board. The 114,500-ton vessel is still resting off the shore waiting to be towed away, after being turned upright in September in a salvage operation estimated to cost €825 million.

READ MORE: Costa Concordia turned upright in unique salvage

The helmsman already arranged a plea bargain last July, receiving a 20-month suspended sentence for manslaughter, Corriere said. But he is wanted back in Italy to testify in the high-profile trial of Francesco Schettino, the cruise ship captain who is currently on trial over the disaster.

When contacted by The Local, an Interpol spokesperson was unavailable to comment on whether the helmsman would be forced to return to Italy.

Schettino has argued that Rusil Bin misinterpreted his orders on the night of the crash, a point which is due to be contested in court when the case resumes on Monday.

Also due to appear in court next week is Roberto Ferrarini, a manager at cruise company Costa Crociere who was in charge of the crisis unit on the night of the crash, Corriere said.  

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