It was an email from the 2nd Mate to her family. At that point she knew they were headed into a hurricane. When they left port (Jacksonville I believe) it was still a tropical storm and it hadn't been forecast to hit cat 4 yet. It went from TS to cat 3 in something like a day and a half. It was also supposed to turn north quicker instead of hanging out in the ship's path.
As search for El Faro's crew has been suspended, we can only wish the best for families involved. Rain has been a lot in S. Carolina in particular; perhaps only tangentially related to the passage of this storm. Anyway those folks are whacked, and Red Cross and other similar agencies would be happy to receive your helpful contributions.
NTSB preliminary: NTSB: Capt. of sunken ship intended to sail 65 mi from storm gives the impression of sub-optimal decision making by El Faro captain. Overall it seems that the merchant marine is a hazardous occupation even when conducted carefully. Most international commodities arrive this way and we ought to give the people involved due respect.
it is a dangerous profession, but like airplanes, it is probably has a very low fatality rate. still a few questions, but it does sound like poor decision making. did the hurricane cause the engines to go out, or was it a coincidence? why only 65 miles? pressure from above? bonus for on time delivery? mass maritime trains merchant mariners, two were on the ill fated ship. i believe that they are well compensated, but not sure beyond the officers.
Not even done with the grieving, but more trouble. If you are anywhere between Puerto Vallarta and Acapulco, good luck. The following is quite unusual wording for a forecast discussion: Hurricane PATRICIA Forecast Discussion
