Verhoeven Posted July 26, 2013 Posted July 26, 2013 Such a shame. Last week the 42 metre Dutch two masted Astrid got into difficulties and eventually hit the rocks near Cork. After all souls were rescued the ship broke in two and sank. http://www.rte.ie/news/2013/0724/464385-tall-ship-astrid/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H0CJmVaJ_Sk
Digby Posted July 27, 2013 Posted July 27, 2013 How old was she? Was she a genuinely old ship, or a modern build? EDIT: I see she was built in 1918. Looks like the various owners operating her have been struggling to make money in recent years and she's passed through several owners going back to Holland only very recently. I wonder if the master was inexperienced? Those are treacherous waters and have claimed many ships. Of course she has a diesel plant but apparently that failed. Maybe an issue with poor maintenance due to costs.
Verhoeven Posted July 27, 2013 Author Posted July 27, 2013 Dutch sailors have a good track record, also on tall ships. This crew was higly experienced and had been sailing on the ship for the last 10 years. There was a large group of young trainees on board though but that would not make the difference here. When it tried tor reach the harbour near Kinsdale it's engines failed. The sails were clearly struck. A ship this close to the coast in such treacherous waters, with that weather is destined to hit the rocks. They stoot no chance. Though it remains to be investigated if the captain made errors. It is amazing that luckily no lives were lost. I think the captain made the right evacuation decisions when he acknowledged all was lost. The most famous present day Dutch Tall ship: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stad_Amsterdam ( I loved the doc "In Darwin's wake"). https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LpjCq_RrIxU
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