I am reluctant to post negative or sad stories as it results in more blows to the cruise industry which involves the variety of incidents which make up our lives living-at-sea. There is an incredible amount of curiosity and fascination concerning the sea that has actually grown over the years since the days of the Titanic. We want to get into the lives of those who live on board. We want to figure out how and why they do it and know the intimate stories of their life's histories. As a passenger on board, we want to feel the freedom that comes with being on deck feeling the salty air blowing over our faces and view the pristine waters surrounding the vessel. All this, to remind us that we are able to relax and leave our cares behind.
As I have said in the past, one of the most worrisome and stressful parts of being a Master Captain on board any ship is, making that "one" wrong decision. Even if someone else makes it, at the end of the day, it is on the captain's back. This is the responsibility they take when signing the papers upon boarding a vessel - it is their ship, it is under their command - the ultimate responsibility. With these mega-sized ships, there is no question that the captain is busy 24/7 and works on each issue as it presents itself; solving a number of issues from the minute he is on board until the minute he walks off.
That 'one' wrong decision made by a captain varies in reasons depending on a variety of circumstances I will give three widely different situations. One story in recent years is about the superb career of the captain on the Queen Mary 2 who resigned due to a situation that slowed the vessel and caused a number of missed ports; however, though the event was costly, I did not agree with his retirement, he had an amazing career that spanned years of history and is to be commended for his incredible service.
Next, we come upon the captain of the Concordia who indeed made that 'one' wrong decision which changed the course of his career in a horrible light causing death to innocent passengers and sadness their extended families. I guarantee if the captain could turn back time, he would; thus, not taking the risk that he did. Ultimately, time cannot be turned back and he faces the results of decisions made. The trial continues and more comments will be made upon the results.
With fires, emergency evacuations, fights, engine problems, port strikes, extreme weather and more, life for the Captain is anything but dull. Now the Captain of the Star Princess is under scrutiny for that 'one' decision to continue sailing onward when three fishermen were out at sea without engine, drifting and far out to sea. Until Princess Cruises and the investigative teams conclude their research, we do not have the full story of what the captain was dealing with and how he came to his decision. It too, was reported that one of the three had passed away the day the ship passed by, these are speculations that help to make for story. There is no way of knowing if this fisherman would have lived or died if they ship had saved them as it depends on his condition of already having been drifting for two weeks. The remaining fisherman had rolled out the bodies to rest at sea. I am wondering his decision of why he felt that he had to do this. Unless the bodies are recovered, exact timing and other details are difficult to know. I was saddened as well, when I read that even the U.S. Coast Guard and other rescue units were unable to locate them when the passenger had reported it further. Bad circumstance all around and a sad story reported.
The worst part of writing for me, is when it is a negative story that results in a dreadful end. Always our thoughts are with the victims, their families and all concerned in each event.
Those who want to read more of the events of the fishermen, go to: cruiselawnews.com
