A sad situation and a lot of "Monday morning quarterbacking." I have heard plenty of "Why would they be out there?" questions, but try not to second-guess the decision. Kudos to the Coast Guard in that rescue mission.
That entire region is in a world of hurt. Thoughts and prayers to all those affected. The media tends to quantify these things, tallying numbers and comparing it to other natural disasters. If you've ever been affected by a hurricane (or blizzard, flood, etc, etc), you know the anxiety, frustration, rage, and other emotions the survivors go through. Natural disasters aren't "better or worse" than one another - they are all bad, and if you, your family, or your home are affected, you don't really care that this is only the "12th worst natural disaster."
All the captains I know take the responsibility of the safety of passengers, crew, and equipment to heart. All the time. Weather is always a consideration. Wind and storm surge can beat a boat to death while tied at the dock (there are images now being posted of the devastation in marinas in that area); open water is often considered safer, but there is a limit to what any vessel can withstand... and I'm not sure Mother Nature understands limits.
Jim
