Quote:
Originally Posted by GH85Carrera
I know very little about boats, so I will admit ignorance.
It just seems crazy that there is only one stairwell for everyone to get down below or back above. I understand that deck space is always tight on any boat of any size, but to have just one way to escape just seems illogical and very dangerous.
I have to agree with all the rest, it is a sad day for many families and a real tragedy. To be trapped in a sinking and burning boat is as bad as an airplane hurtling toward the earth and out of control.
|
A single staircase is normal for regular ingress and egress. But there should be an escape route out of below deck spaces. My boat at 53 feet has two escape hatches. One in the bow and one in the stern. Usually they are used for additional ventilation but in the event of an emergency they can be used to escape the vessel.
It is just odd that a modern purpose built 75 foot dive boat capable of sleeping forty people doesn't have hatches to the upper decks? This is a USCG passenger carrying inspected vessel.