Concordia captain faces manslaughter charges

Nine months after the Costa Concordia disaster, salvage crews are labouring to remove the wreck.

The ship's captain is accused of multiple manslaughter charges after more than 30 people died in the January crash off the island of Giglio.

Pre-trial hearings resume Monday in the town of Grossetto for Captain Francesco Schettino.

He is charged with abandoning the ship as it sank with many passengers and crew still on board.

Investigators said Schettino brought the 290-metre-long vessel too close to shore, delayed evacuation and lost control of the operation.

Eight other ship officers and executives of Costa Cruises are also under investigation.