A Facebook photo of Domnica Cemortan

20 JAN: A 25-year-old Moldovan blonde who was reportedly on the bridge of Costa Concordia when it hit rocks last Friday has come to the defence of the ship’s much-maligned captain, Francesco Schettino.

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Donica Cemortan has reportedly told a Moldovan TV station and newspaper that she was having dinner with friends when she was invited on to the bridge.

When the grounding occurred, she managed to find her way off the ship, and captain Schettino was still there.

"I saw him there, before I managed to get off the ship", she said.

"He did not abandon ship before everyone else. He would not have done that. He knows what his duty is.

"He is one of the best captains in the company.

"He is very skilful and experienced when it comes to manoeuvring the ship in enclosed spaces, like harbours."

London’s Telegraph newspaper says it’s believed Ms Cemortan worked for Costa Cruises in the past, as a dancer and passenger rep, but went on the cruise last week as a holiday.

The paper says Italian authorities would like to talk to her to see if she can shed light on what took place on the bridge when the ship grounded.

The paper says she was reportedly not on the official list of passengers or crew.