Though I definetly respect his views as a marine designer, I cant help but think of the human factors that seem to reduce the chances of the fire starting in the bunk space:
- Though nearly all would of had their privacy curtains closed, my guess is that several people would not have been asleep (thinking of the days dives, too excited- or too tired to sleep etc). Others would have been dozing lightly. Somebody would have either seen the fire, or smelled smoke and raised an alarm.
- The boat's cook slept with the divers. Evidently, the fire started at 3:30, too early for even her to be up. But, she would be getting up soon to prepare breakfast. Thus, a chance that she would be lightly sleeping. Being on the crew, she would investigate the source of even slight smoke.
- Recreational divers are likely to be physically fit individuals capable of thinking under pressure and capable of following directions with out panic. In even a fast moving fire starting in the bunk space, I think most would have escaped or, if possible, smothered the fire out with blankets etc.
In short, my guess is that had the fire started in the bunk space, the story would have read:
Severe fire- A tragedy occured on a dive boat as five people were fatally overcome by smoke in a fast moving fire. Some survivors suffered burns escaping from the space. The fire was extinguished and survivors taken off the boat by the USCGS.....
Less severe fire- Several divers suffered first or second degree burns extinguishing a fire in a bunk space. Other were treated for smoke inhalation and released from hospitals.... .
