"Salga a Bordo, Cazzo!"
that now famous command, issued by the Italian Coast Guard Comandante Gregorio De Falco, to the cruise ship Capitan Schettino. Literally, "climb onboard, (expletive!)".
I'm sure that's on a t-shirt somewhere, and I was tempted to get one, but the tragedy of the event rinses away any humor for me.
Now the news reports the 14-story luxury Princess Star cruise ship passed by 3 Panamanian fisherman, whose small boat was spotted adrift. A Portland birdwatcher onboard spotted the dying men, but the ship's crew and captain ignored maritime law, and basic human decency, and steamed on.
There's a special commitment to being captain of a ship, people step aboard, subscribing to a certain understanding. From the smallest kayak to an aircraft carrier--there's a Code that these "cruise ship captains" ignored. They're "Captains" in name only, Night Motel Desk Operators in performance. (no criticism of night hosting staff here, many have befriended me over the years--not unlike Pizza Delivery guys!)
My boatyard buddy, enjoying a siesta on the water, understands the distinction. "You're either on the bus or off the bus. You do what you must. To the Ships! Damn the Torpedoes, Full Steam Ahead." My Jolly Sailor Bold
"Salga a Bordo, Cazzo!"
that now famous command, issued by the Italian Coast Guard Comandante Gregorio De Falco, to the cruise ship Capitan Schettino. Literally, "climb onboard, (expletive!)".
I'm sure that's on a t-shirt somewhere, and I was tempted to get one, but the tragedy of the event rinses away any humor for me.
Now the news reports the 14-story luxury Princess Star cruise ship passed by 3 Panamanian fisherman, whose small boat was spotted adrift. A Portland birdwatcher onboard spotted the dying men, but the ship's crew and captain ignored maritime law, and basic human decency, and steamed on.
There's a special commitment to being captain of a ship, people step aboard, subscribing to a certain understanding. From the smallest kayak to an aircraft carrier--there's a Code that these "cruise ship captains" ignored. They're "Captains" in name only, Night Motel Desk Operators in performance. (no criticism of night hosting staff here, many have befriended me over the years--not unlike Pizza Delivery guys!)
My boatyard buddy, enjoying a siesta on the water, understands the distinction. "You're either on the bus or off the bus. You do what you must. To the Ships! Damn the Torpedoes, Full Steam Ahead." My Jolly Sailor Bold