Many missing as the South Korea ferry Sewol sinks

[Adam Hodson]

A ferry carrying 459 people has sunk, with nearly 300 people missing. Lets hope they all get found safely.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-27045512

[June Ingram]

Thank you, Adam, for your post of this terrible event.  I do hope more survivors are found.  Can anyone through experience speculate on what might have happened ? 

[Adam Hodson]

A few more links:

http://news.sky.com/story/1243357/south-korea-295-missing-after-ferry-sinks

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2014/apr/16/rescuers-battle-to-save-476-passengers-after-ferry-sinks-off-south-korea

This is the latest report I have found from the Independant:

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/asia/two-dead-and-mass-rescue-underway-as-ferry-with-476-aboard-sinks-off-south-korea-9263609.html

he felt the ferry tilt and then heard it crash into something

Like June said about what could have happened, does this quote explain anything?

[Peter Mugridge]

The BBC News has quoted people who were on board as saying they heard and felt large thumps from below, then it started listing; that suggests it may have hit some rocks?

[Adam Hodson]

I was thinking of something along those lines. Perhaps it grounded?

[Rob Lightbody]

So many ship disasters start with the ship listing and then capsizing and yet the safety drills and procedures deal with the rare occasion when a ship sinks slowly while remaining upright...

[Adam Hodson]

That is true Rob - safety drills are nothing like a real emergency.

[Rob Lightbody]

They're saying the ferry was a 'ro-ro', which obviously brings to mind the terrible Herald of free enterprise disaster from nearly 30 years ago.

[Twynkle]

And the Wahine in Wellington harbour NZ in '68
She was Clydebuilt (Fairfield I think) too.

[Rob Lightbody]

If you take the Concordia and this accident, it seems that when a ship has even maybe struck something they should pretty much start an abandon ship immediately. In this case it could have saved hundreds.

I know they say that the ship itself is the best lifeboat, but that seems to be only if it will sink slowly and vertically.

Also, as with planes, are lessons learned internationally when an accident Happens, e.g. accidents in Europe understood in south Korea?

[Bruce Nicholls]

If you take the Concordia and this accident, it seems that when a ship has even maybe struck something they should pretty much start an abandon ship immediately. In this case it could have saved hundreds.

I know they say that the ship itself is the best lifeboat, but that seems to be only if it will sink slowly and vertically.

Also, as with planes, are lessons learned internationally when an accident Happens, e.g. accidents in Europe understood in south Korea?

I think the ship is definitely the best lifeboat as long as you are on the outside on the highest bit out of the water. Forget the instructions. That is where Sylvia and myself will be if at all possible.

[Adam Hodson]

Something that I personally think is a problem with today's cruise ships is that the lifeboats are so low down aswell, because the lower they are, the less time until they go into the water. Any thoughts on this anyone?

[June Ingram]

Very good point, Adam.  Thank you to each for your messages.  Rob is correct in saying that drills address what to do when the ship is sinking slowly and upright, and that is usually not the scenario.

[Hank Hargrove]

I've been following the news. Thoughts and prayers for everyone involved. Especially the families. Things don't look very good.

[Adam Hodson]

I'm afraid they don't.


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