21 votes

Captain found guilty of ‘seaman’s manslaughter’ in boat fire that killed thirty-four off California coast

6 comments

  1. [4]
    ComicSans72
    Link
    LoL. Shocking to read "“The captain is responsible for everything that happens on the ship, including, most importantly, the safety of everyone on board that ship,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada...

    LoL. Shocking to read "“The captain is responsible for everything that happens on the ship, including, most importantly, the safety of everyone on board that ship,” U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada told reporters." The day after I read about (another) cop being let off for choking a guy to death https://www.cpr.org/2023/11/06/elijah-mcclain-trial-verdict-aurora-police-nathan-woodyard/ because

    11 votes
    1. Clarty
      Link Parent
      It's why a Captain gets paid the most. They can actually delegate a lot of the roles that you might consider their personal jobs to their immediate subordinates in the bridge department, but the...

      It's why a Captain gets paid the most. They can actually delegate a lot of the roles that you might consider their personal jobs to their immediate subordinates in the bridge department, but the ultimate responsibility for the welfare of the crew and vessel rests on their shoulders.

      7 votes
    2. [2]
      Pretzilla
      Link Parent
      What's the connection?

      What's the connection?

      1 vote
      1. Hobofarmer
        Link Parent
        Taking responsibility for actions (or inactions).

        Taking responsibility for actions (or inactions).

        4 votes
  2. rosco
    Link
    Man, that was a really deal when it happened. I was in grad school in Santa Cruz at the time in a coastal science related major and around 50% of the folks I worked with had conducted dives off...

    Man, that was a really deal when it happened. I was in grad school in Santa Cruz at the time in a coastal science related major and around 50% of the folks I worked with had conducted dives off their boat. A significant number of people lost friends (a number of folks worked in the coastal science/protection/management industry). It was a really somber time.

    I'm glad that it might make for safer conditions in the future.

    10 votes
  3. gowestyoungman
    Link
    This is really tragic. I had no idea so many people had died in an accident I hadn't even heard about til now. The saddest part is that it really was a bit of complacency that killed them. There...

    This is really tragic. I had no idea so many people had died in an accident I hadn't even heard about til now.

    The saddest part is that it really was a bit of complacency that killed them. There was supposed to be one crew member keeping watch all night, and there was indeed one crew member in the same room as all the guests, but it appears he was asleep at the time of the fire like everyone else. Anyone who has done an overnight shift alone can understand how easy it would be to fall asleep.

    Even more disturbing is that some guests were found with their clothes and shoes on, with their gear packed and one was holding a flashlight which indicated that they were alive for at least a short time til the smoke and fumes killed them. I cant imagine the terror in that bunk room as they realized there was no escape.

    3 votes