As soon as I see open lifeboats on a ship like this, it pretty well says all about the company and regs to me.
It was going back to work in the north, came from Alaska before this, but they never spent the million $ to give them a closed boat on a modern gravity davit, and not expected to by Class or USCG. It is a complete failure of everyone concerned and hung on the CO.

I find it hard to believe that all was done to prevent such a tragedy. Indeed, a closed lifeboat may have not been required, but indeed, seeing that on a ship today, certainly says allot about the company.

Martin, those guys wouldn't have gotten off the ship IMO. The boats tell me that the davits were old rule, they wouldn't been able to launch with the list. Maybe not with modern davits either, they would have been in liferafts. When we go to sea, we accept risks that are unacceptable in any other industry. Sea going personnel are the most fatalistic people I know, one bad moment and and that's it, hopefully you can get into an immersion suit so your body can be found for your family.
JJ is completely right. No body cares except for the families, replacements are available with a call to a agent and insurance covers the equipment.

This is an Interesting interview that touches on several points alluded to in the forum by different posters.


http://gcaptain.com/interview-with-el-f ... 7ac07886e0