Did poor design play a part in the Eastern Star tragedy?

摘要

Dear Sir, The recent capsizing of Eastern Star on the Yangtze River, along with the tragic loss of life, came as a shock to most, if not all, of us, especially in the maritime community. We are now trying to understand just how and why the vessel, along with its passengers and crew, apparently succumbed to the elements, if indeed that is or was the case. There was indeed a tragic loss of life as, out of over 400 souls on board, only about 14 or so have been saved, the remainder entombed in the sunken vessel. The official explanation (at present) is that a sudden and violent squall of wind caused the vessel to list alarmingly and suddenly, leading unfortunately to eventual capsizing. However, many of us suspect that there are other factors at work here.