The captain told everyone to move outside and assemble near our lifeboats. Sola and I could only get as far as the door before the line halted. There were too many people on the catwalk and insufficient space for all the passengers to gather outside. The passengers outside tried to make more space by repositioning themselves. I think the cooperation and mutual support by each of the passengers was a major factor that ultimately resulted in no injuries. Reflecting on the entire ordeal, we were fortunate to have such a well disciplined and focused group.

We’d moved a little then waited before being able to move again. There was never any pushing or shoving. What was going on while we waited might surprise to those not present. There was quite a bit of joking as we waited to get outside. One person started singing, “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” then another, followed with “Don’t Worry, Be Happy”. Someone else started a game of Complete This Sentence. “Rather than boarding a lifeboat right now I’d prefer to …”

More space became available on the catwalk as the aft lifeboat started loading. By the time we got outside the aft lifeboat was nearly full. We turned forward and waited again. At this point there was some grumbling about why it was taking so long to board. In fact, why weren’t we boarding, rather than waiting alongside our boat?

Here is my entire Abandoning the M/S Explorer story.

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