EasternATC

Obviously, this isn't an aviation accident, but many of the factors and circumstances are identical to those that pilots encounter: Weather, judgement, equipment, and company/economic pressures to perform.

None of what I wrote above is certain, rather it's derived from the many media reports I've read over the last three days. As reported today by CNN, the NHC official forecast of a strengthening hurricane came out over four hours before the ship sailed. Maritime industry pundits in today's Washington Post touched on what the Captain might have been thinking. Would his job be in jeopardy if he delayed sailing? They say if he'd gone west of the Bahamas, the ship would pay a penalty in fuel to fight the Gulf Stream, which might also get him in trouble with the company.

My thoughts and prayers go out the crew and their families.

jungle

Tragic, fair winds and following seas. Mother Nature can be a real *****.

ramprodent

Such a tragedy.

There is a very extensive thread on the gcaptain forums.
It's a maritime news site's forums with lots of retired and current Merchant Mariners contributing to the thread.

Sea Star El Faro Thread

I hope i'm not breaking any rules linking to an outside forum. If so I can take it down.

iceman49

Wreckage Found in Atlantic is Missing Cargo Ship, Feds Confirm | Military.com

METO Guido

What it must have been like in the last hour or two. Haunting.