Re: 'NEWS' Korean Ferry Disaster
From what I last saw early today, the Third Officer was on the bridge at the time of the 'incident'.
From what I remember, the 3rd Officer is in fact the 3rd Mate and is supposed to be supervised by a Senior Officer during your watch - often the 8 - 12 watch which is the quietest.
Where the Captain was at that time had not come out, nor has anything further regarding passenger information as of the last time I looked on the TV.
It seems the ship was listing fairly early on but criticism has been noted regarding deployment of life boats?
If, as I suspect, the cargo shifted due to a sudden manoeuvre and the ship listed almost immediately after, the available lifeboats that could have been launched instantly halved because the weight is all on one side.
The degree of list would also affect the launch of the lifeboats.
Likewise any mass passenger movements below decks would also impinge on the vessel's integrity, possibly causing further listing.
This could explain the instruction for passenger to remain where they were - lack of direction from a Senior officer?
It's the Captain's job to make the decisions in this case or at least the 1st Officer.
What I don't really understand is the animosity towards those trying to help nor the televised pleadings to find survivors when chances are it's going to be bodies only? stevmk2