When these ships were current, they had no engines of any kind, they used man power for everything. Seems no one can do a damn thing anymore without connecting an engine. Perhaps if the ship had been equipped with two man jack pumps she would still be with us, or perhaps it was just meant to be, regardless.
Looking at the coast guard pictures the sea doesnt look that terrible. No, im a rookie sailor and dont have any hands on knowledge of those conditions, but I would expect a ship of that caliber to be capable of handling 40 knot wind in 18 foot seas, provided the commander and crew were up to the task.
But, if the only pumps they had aboard were electric, totally reliant on a generator, without any kind of sufficient manual back up, it was probably doomed a long time ago. Crap dont fail when the suns shining and the waters calm.
Some events touch our lives while others just seem to pass us by. For some reason this whole event has effected me deeply. From the very beginning I was so saddened to hear of the loss of the ship. But for some untold reason I felt deep anguish for Claudene, some kinship I couldnt explain. I prayed for the best, but knowing of the cryptic phone call, deep down knew she was gone. But then to find she had local connections and learn her folks live near by as well, just seemed, well, odd.
But I have lost nothing compared to those who were her crew, the families who lost a husband or daughter, or those who were a part of keeping that ship in operation and tending to her. I am sure that for those who were closest, the ships loss hurts as much as the loss of her captain and crew. And for some it may actually be worse. My only hope and prayer is she is salvaged and restored and sails again. Not very probable I'm sure, but its still my hope.
