The Ferry Sewol Part 1: Cowards in Command

Summary

The MV Sewol ferry disaster of April 16, 2014, is a tragic story of negligence, poor leadership, and failed rescue efforts. Overloaded with passengers, the ferry capsized, resulting in the loss of over 300 lives, most of them high school students. The crew's dereliction of duty, combined with ineffective rescue operations by the Coast Guard and a government cover-up, deepened the tragedy. As authorities struggled to manage the crisis, families of the victims were left in despair, while the nation grappled with the systemic failures that led to the catastrophe.

Takeaways

• 😀 In 2014, the MV Sewol ferry capsized off the coast of South Korea due to a combination of crew negligence, poor ship modifications, and overloading, resulting in the tragic loss of over 300 lives.
• 😀 The ferry was carrying 325 students and staff from Dan Juan High School on a school trip, making it a major event for the students and their families.
• 😀 The ferry's delayed departure of over two hours and its dangerous course through the Maenggol Channel, known for its strong undercurrents, were crucial factors in the disaster.
• 😀 As the ferry began listing severely, passengers were told to stay put and wait in their cabins, even though the ship was sinking and flooding quickly.
• 😀 The first distress call was made by a student at 8:52 AM, but the ship's crew misreported its location, delaying rescue efforts.
• 😀 The ship took on water due to a severe list, but the crew failed to act effectively, even when it became clear the ferry was about to capsize.
• 😀 Critical moments were lost when the crew failed to perform evacuation procedures, and passengers were left in the dark about the true nature of the emergency.
• 😀 As the ferry began to roll over completely, civilian vessels attempted rescues while the official response, including the Coast Guard and helicopters, was disorganized and ineffective.
• 😀 The captain and crew abandoned their posts, leaving the ferry in a state of confusion and chaos, with no clear direction for rescue teams.
• 😀 The South Korean government and Coast Guard mismanaged the crisis, failing to communicate effectively with the rescuers and withholding accurate information from the public, leading to widespread mistrust and grief.

Q & A

What led to the capsizing of the MVC Sewol ferry in 2014?

The capsizing of the MVC Sewol ferry was caused by a combination of mistakes, including negligent modifications to the ship, overloading, instability of cargo, and poor leadership during the crisis. These factors, along with an abrupt turn that exceeded the vessel's restoring force, led to the ship taking on water and eventually capsizing.

How did the fog affect the departure of the ferry on the evening of April 16, 2014?

The ferry's departure was delayed by two and a half hours due to heavy fog. This fog delayed the voyage from Incheon to Jeju Island, and passengers spent the night aboard the vessel. The delay also impacted the overall timeline for the disaster.

What were the conditions like during the ferry's capsizing and the subsequent evacuation attempts?

As the ferry capsized, the crew issued repeated PA announcements instructing passengers to stay in their cabins and put on life preservers. The crew did not attempt any effective evacuation, and the passengers, including many school children, were left in a dangerous and confusing situation. Despite many civilian boats arriving to help, the rescue efforts were poorly coordinated and insufficient.

Why did the crew of the ferry not initiate an evacuation sooner?

The crew, particularly the captain and the first mate, failed to act swiftly. They initially misreported the ferry’s location, delayed evacuation orders, and ignored the presence of other emergency response teams. Despite being aware of the imminent danger, they did not take appropriate steps to evacuate passengers in time.

What role did the Coast Guard play in the rescue efforts during the capsizing?

The Coast Guard played a critical role in the rescue efforts but faced numerous challenges, including miscommunication and confusion. Several helicopters and patrol vessels were dispatched, but coordination was poor. Many rescue operations were delayed or failed due to the lack of communication and refusal of some officers to override the captain's orders.

What were the failures in the design and operation of the ferry that contributed to the disaster?

The ferry was poorly retrofitted, with modifications that raised the center of gravity and made it more top-heavy. Additionally, the ferry was overloaded with cargo, and the ballast system was not properly managed. Safety protocols were ignored, and the crew received no formal training in evacuation procedures or emergency response.

What was the role of the South Korean government in handling the aftermath of the disaster?

The South Korean government faced criticism for its inadequate response to the crisis. Officials were slow to acknowledge the full extent of the disaster, released conflicting information to the public, and failed to prioritize rescue efforts. They were also accused of suppressing information to prevent public backlash and protect the reputation of the country’s leadership.

What mistakes were made by the bridge crew while navigating the ferry?

The bridge crew made several critical errors. The third mate and helmsman were inexperienced in navigating the dangerous waters of the Maenggol Channel. They made an abrupt turn of 15 degrees, which exceeded the vessel’s stability limits, causing the ferry to list severely. Additionally, the anti-healing pumps, designed to stabilize the ship, were not operational.

How did the crew’s failure to communicate with emergency responders impact the rescue operations?

The crew's failure to communicate effectively with the Coast Guard and other emergency responders led to confusion and delayed rescue efforts. The crew made multiple calls to report the situation but did not use available communication methods to broadcast evacuation orders or coordinate with the rescue teams, leaving the passengers stranded.

What role did civilian ships and volunteers play in the rescue efforts?

Civilians and volunteer fishing boats played a significant role in rescuing passengers. These ships rescued many survivors who had jumped into the water or were clinging to the decks of the capsizing ferry. However, the official rescue operations were hampered by miscommunication and the reluctance of some Coast Guard personnel to take decisive action.