RSBM
I was going to take a break from this case for my emotional health. The last moments of these souls haunts me.
But your post brought be back
@Yellowbelly to say I agree. And perhaps these autopsy results and additional reporting of the events have heightened my anger towards the crew, warranted or not.
Why didn't the crew take the warnings of possible violent storms (as we confirmed here) seriously enough to anchor in a protected cove? They were 1/2 mile off the coast, and possibly sitting ducks to violent storms.
Why did the Watchman wait until winds were 20 knots (23 mph) before waking the captain? Especially given the stark alerts about possible violent storms given the cold front that was in the region, clashing with warm air and water.
Why didn't the crew immediately prioritize getting below deck passengers up to the Saloon? Three or four crew should have been immediately ordered to go below deck and help people up the stairs as glass broke and the yacht yawed.
Why wasn't the keel dropped? Or the anchor pulled? Or the engines started to gain control (presuming these are true)
Yes, the storm was a freak, but it was forewarned, at least for 18 August. And yes, the time was limited to respond to the event, but did the captain and crew prioritize their actions correctly?
So I agree, I think there is culpability. But I believe from what I've read, that this will take years to sort out. The Conception case in the U.S. I posted earlier occurred 2019 but the Captain was not sentenced to prison until 2024.
IMO.