More good press for cruise ships: Princess Cruises to Investigate Why Captain Ignored Distress Call - Yahoo!
Hi, I read that earlier and thought that given the recent revelations as to the number of non marine crew on the cruise ships did the person first asked to contact the Captain actually do so or did he/she contact their immediate Superior who in turn had no marine qualifications and no ideas of what to do in the case of receiving a distress call or seeing a vessel in distress.
Based on the statement from the captain that, "he thought they were thanking him for avoiding their fishing nets", I would say the captain saw them. Never was taught that a red signal meant 'thanks'. Sounds to me like an act of negligence. Regardless of the media spin, if even a few of the facts are true, there were too many things not right. It'll be interesting to see what Princess comes up with.
It almost sounds like someone in the chain of command didn't take it seriously, or they simply forgot. If Princess Cruises has that good of a track record for rescues, as per their statement, then I have a hard time imagining them ignoring a genuine call for help.
Call for help? I am feared it's a lack of respect for: 1) poor (or no) reports from look-outs or observers. 2) lost chain of communications from subordinates, 3) ignoring comments from passengers, 4) any or more? Somebody(s) screwed up. Was there any radio contact log to prove any "stay clear of fishing gear" & alter course? Don't think so.. Was there any attempt to validate any observations or even a hint of a distressed observation, look back or turn around and check? Don't think so.. There are lives saved commonly by ships on the open water who stumbles upon distressed Small craft. SOMETHING happened (DIDN'T) here.. I do have a different view from the left, but it's not on topic here.