It is distressing to this sailor to read accounts of the terrible loss of life onboard the South Korean ferry, most all high school students off for a vacation.
There was an inexperienced third mate at the helm and after she made a hard right turn, the ship capsized.
And who were some of the first "rescued" and off the ship? The captain and his officers.
Same for the captain of the Costa Line's"Concordia," the ship that ran aground of an Italian Island (see photo). He miraculously was one of the first off the ship as well.
What happened to the maritime tradition where the Captain, the Commanding Officer, was the last to depart a sinking ship? What does leadership mean?
Fortunately, both skippers, although I shouldn't use that honored term for these men, have been arrested on multiple charges.
Remember Captain of the US Airways flight that glided to a perfect landing in the Hudson River? Captain Sullenberger strode through waist deep waters to the rear of the cabin checking that all passengers had, indeed, departed safely before he did so.
Reminds me also of recently reading history of USS Hornet CV-8, the General James Doolittle carrier that launched those B-25s in first raid on Tokyo early in 1942. Later that year, in battle of Santa Cruz, I believe, it was kamikazied to death and Admiral Halsey ordered all to abandon ship on 26 October. The captain, Charles P. Mason, was the last man to climb over the side and leave his sinking vessel there to be rescued with the rest of his crew.
What happened to this tradition? Maybe it's different for commercial vessels?
Sad commentary when captain is first, not last, to depart a sinking ship.
What we owe to captains like Charles P. Mason of Hornet and Chesley Sullenberger of US Airways!
Bravo Zulu!
John Barell
Comments
The so called "Captain" of the Korean ferry hopefully will get what he deserves, both in this life, and in the one to come. On the flip side of the coin is a story of incredible bravery and acceptance of responsibility. A young female crew member, who ultimately lost her life, saved an undetermined number of lives. Handing out life vests. Then closing a hatch in a bulkhead turned deck after the shipped turned on it's side so that passengers could walk to an escape point. All this while the "Captain" and senior crew members were safely off the ship. Honor and Duty. Values obviously not meaningful to at least one Korean Merchant Captain.