Captain vilified for abandoning sinking ship

Five days since the Costa Concordia sank off the coast of Italy, it has now become a story not simply of tragedy, but also of morality with two men at its heart.

The first being Francesco Schettino, the captain who steered the cruise liner to its watery end, and who has been vilified for deserting his post just when he was needed the most.

The second is the coast guard, Gregorio De Falco, who pleaded angrily with Schettino to return to the stricken ship to help his passengers and crew.

Schettino's hesitation after being ordered back onto the sinking ship by De Falco has provoked almost universal criticism, with residents on Giglio Island disgusted by the captain's refusal.

Al Jazeera's Paul Brennan reports from Giglio Island, Italy.