Did Confusion and Indecision Lead to Ferry Disaster?

World Today

The South Korean ferry that sank was crippled by confusion and indecision well after it began listing, a radio transcript released Sunday showed, suggesting the chaotic situation may have added to a death toll that could eventually exceed 300.

About 30 minutes after the Sewol began tilting, a crew member asked a marine traffic controller whether passengers would be rescued if they abandoned ship off South Korea’s southern coast. The crew member posed the question three times in succession.That followed several statements from the ship that people aboard could not move and another in which someone declared that it was “impossible to broadcast” instructions.Many people followed the captain’s initial order to stay below deck, where it is feared they remain trapped. 61 bodies have been recovered, and about 240 people are still missing. CCTV’s Shane Hahm reports from a rescue boat off Jindo Island with these details.

Confusion and Indecision Led to Ferry Disaster?

The South Korean ferry that sank was crippled by confusion and indecision well after it began listing, a radio transcript released Sunday showed, suggesting the chaotic situation may have added to a death toll that could eventually exceed 300. CCTV's Shane Hahm reports.

CCTV’s Terrence Terashima reports from Seoul with details on the anguished families and how this tragedy is being depicted in the media, both in the South Korea, and around the world.

South Korea Families Upset Over Slow Rescue Operation

CCTV's Terrence Terashima reports from Seoul with details on the anguished families and how this tragedy is being depicted in the media, both in the South Korea, and around the world.

Rob Almeida, a partner and editor of g-Captain-dot-com, a maritime news website, joined CCTV’s discussion on this topic. He answered what could be learned from this tragedy.

Interview with Rob Almeida

Rob Almeida, a partner and editor of g-Captain-dot-com, a maritime news website, joined CCTV's discussion on this topic. He answered what could be learned from this tragedy.