Duluth Business Owner Has Ties to Italian Ship Disaster
Posted at: 01/17/2012 10:21 PM
| Updated at: 01/18/2012 7:53 AM
By: Paige Calhoun
Antonino Coppola is the Owner of Sir Benedict's Tavern on the Lake in Duluth. But he's originally from Sorrento, Italy. Sorrento is close to the Amalfi Coast, and Coppola said a large portion of the locals become involved in the cruise ship industry.
The Captain of the cruise ship that went awry, Francesco Schettino is from the same area. Coppola said his cousin and the Captain attended a well-known marine school together and their families are acquainted. Coppola said Schettino's character never led him to believe something like this could happen.
"He has a very good background. Grew up well, went to school and got a job when he was 25, right away as an assistant captain so he has a few years of experience in the business, very good family," Coppola said.
Ronda Rosenthal and Vivian Shafer of Lakeville were aboard the ship, but made it safely to shore in a lifeboat. A White Bear Lake couple, Jerry and Barbara Heil are among the 29 still missing.
The Captain first said he abandoned ship, but is now claiming he was catapulted into the water. A lawyer said he will be released from jail and placed under house arrest.
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