The clothes and underwear of the young woman spotted with the captain of the shipwrecked Costa Concordia on the night of the disaster have reportedly been found in his cabin, The Telegraph said on Friday.
Domnica Cemortan, a 24-year-old former dancer, initially denied any romantic involvement with Captain Francesco Schettino, but later told Italian investigators she was "in love" with the married 52-year-old.
According to the Daily Express, Cemortan, a Moldovan, was questioned by Italian prosecutors investigating the disaster for more than five hours this week.
Cemortan called Schettino a hero and defended him at her questioning. She told prosecutors “it’s not right” that his reputation has been “destroyed” by unfounded accusations.
Chemortan confirmed she was with Schettino when the veseel hit rocks near Giglio Island on 13 January, tearing a 50-meter gash in its hull.
It has been reported the captain was trying to impress her when the tragedy occurred.
Prosecutors have accused Captain Schettino of manslaughter, causing a shipwreck and abandoning his ship while passengers were still stranded.
