A different take on South Korea's ferry disaster
Sewol ferry tragedy: shame and honour marine-cafe.com
We see that everyone is
villifying Captain Lee Jun-seok of the ill-starred MV Sewol. And rightly
so. The man was one of the first to leave the...
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3 comentarios
This link is a new developing part of the legal framework for the people and persons engaged in sea transportation at sea and the various associated functionary and business roles. Hopefully it will cover the seafarer and their human rights as they practice their trade. Many do not realise the gravity and difficulties of working on ships and least of all the psychological strains let alone the physical strains and stresses of Command. The commodities carried are all high value and most of all people(passengers) freight, a mobile undisciplined and usually uncontrollable commodity in dire and distressful situations.
I shudder each time the public and the world so quickly condemns Master and crew for tragedies before even the story unfolds. Even more so when public figures and politicians politicise the whole sad affair and look for brownie points and obvious votes buying. The Captain is hung before his/her trial - perhaps the old Japanese honour of hara-kiri is a better option? Is that what we as human beings want?
Where is the natural justice everyone is accorded?
I see a redeeming element in the Sewol drama which many people may overlook amidst all the furor and cries for blood. There has been remorse (and at least one suicide) amongst those who were responsible or who felt they were. And no doubt, there will be recompense and restitution.
It's sad that the press and the general public are quick to condemn and to judge. I agree with you that seamen who figure in maritime mishaps also have rights and that the nature of their work should be taken into account by the South Korean courts as well as the kibitzers who have turned this tragedy into a blood sport event.
On the other hand, we should not for a moment forget that individuals are ultimately responsible for their own actions. Let there be mercy but let there be justice, too.