However, the ferry’s condition worsened, and the opportunity to leave safely became more limited. As the ship tilted, moving through interior corridors and stairways became increasingly difficult. Passengers who remained inside faced the danger of becoming trapped as water entered the vessel.
Rescue teams reached the area, and some passengers were saved by Coast Guard personnel, helicopters, and civilian boats. But the operation failed to rescue hundreds of people who remained aboard. The response was later criticized for delays, poor coordination, and the failure to ensure that passengers received timely and effective evacuation instructions.
One of the most controversial aspects of the disaster was the conduct of the captain and crew. The captain and some crew members left the vessel and were rescued while many passengers remained inside. The captain’s actions became the subject of criminal proceedings, and he was ultimately sentenced to life imprisonment for his role in the disaster.
