The Trial of the Captain of the Costa Concordia the costa concordia rammed into a rocky reef, the trial of the captain has gun in italy. He is still saying he didn't abandon ship, that he fell into a life boat. Here's jeffrey kofman. Reporter: It was the night at sea that descended into confusion -- then chaos. Passengers not sure what to do as their cruise ship ran aground and began ta to tilt. More than 4,000 passengers and crew aboard the costa concordia forced to flee. Those tiny dots are passengers scrambling like ants down the sinking ship's hull. In court today, the captain, francesco schettino, charged with 32 counts of manslaughter. Accused of sailing off course, failing to sound the alarm, and abandoning his ship by jumping in a lifeboat like a coward. The unforgettable sound from that night, the coast guard screaming at the captain. Damn it, he says, get back on board. Today the captain's lawyer still insisting his client fell into that life boat. Also today the captain asked for a plea bargain and a three-year sentence, not likely if sound guilty. He faces 20 years in prison. Because of this catastrophe all cruise ships do emergency drills before setting sail or just after. 18 months later salvage crews are still struggling to raise the hulk which has become a tourist attraction. Jeffrey kofman, abc news, london.