The Lifeboat Dilemma?

Question

Please read this interesting story:

http://www.cronab.demon.co.uk/brown.htm

What would you have done if you are the captain

Answer 1

There doesn't sound like there was much choice. It was either throw some of the people overboard, or everybody dies. Although it is unfortunate that they could not have discovered that the plug had come out, prior to throwing all those people overboard.

That's why sometimes life just sucks.

Answer 2

Not being in the boat in the time, it is hard to draw a judgement.

What I don't like in the story is the idea that, 'some have to die to save the majority'. Sounds a lot like 'colateral damage' or 'if you're not with us, your agin' us' (phrases often used nowadays).

Fact is, rarely are there only two choices available and when the situation is carved up into neat black and white issues, you can bet it isn't black and white.

In the story, the boat had been taking on water for some time. In that time, did anyone take any action other than baling water? Did any of the crew think to see if the plug was in? They must only be in specific spots on the boat. It doesn't seem like they did everything they could before they took to killing people.

Peace

Answer 3

He must have been an incompetent for hitting the iceberg and a prick for forcing people off the lifeboat. His crew were cut from the same cloth. If I had been the captain I would have missed the iceberg.

Answer 4

This example is not the only time this has happened by far. The rights and customs of the sea are all the Captain could do.

Answer 5

for related answer to a similer question involving moral, read 'The Sunflower' by Simon Wisenthal

there isn't much debate that he hadn't much of a choice

Answer 6

I don't know. That's why I'm not a ship captain.

Answer 7

gigojitrji