One has got to wonder what kind of

[busterbrown]

inspections are required to operate a boat such as this...I do have a feeling however that this disaster was just one of those events which just happened..With odds which would have been a thousand to one to have happened.. I live near this area and have a lot of friends who partake in activities such as this.

So freaking sad.. just horrible..

[rampartc]

1. a boat that size requires coast guatd inspection.

the crew should know damage control skills, and there must be fire fighting equipment located strategically.

problem, most on board were passengers. they may not have known where the exits were. 3 of the 5 person crew were overboard early in the event. did anyone sound an alarm?

[busterbrown]

2. Thanks for the info.

What do you think caused this?.. You seem to be one who understands the realm of small commercial operations such as this.

[rampartc]

5. there are any number of possibilities

from oil in the engine room, electrical , galley (kitchen) mishap, or just something stupid like smoking in bed. with this many casualties i'm sure there will be an investigation.

[LuckyLib]

4. A complete safety briefing for all passengers is required. It includes exit options,

fire extinguishers, life jackets, etc. There must have been a sudden explosion, and those down below were overcome with smoke. So tragic.

[rampartc]

6. such a broefing (including a lifebpat drill) should have occurred.

[3Hotdogs]

3. It was 4 a.m. Passengers were asleep.