An emergency call alerted authorities that the ferry was in danger. Other distress communications followed. The situation was deteriorating, and passengers needed clear information about what to do.
Many students were in cabins or interior areas of the vessel. They were young people on an organized trip, accustomed to following instructions from adults. When the ship’s announcements told passengers to remain where they were, many obeyed, trusting that the crew understood the danger and knew how to keep them safe.
That trust would become one of the most painful aspects of the tragedy.
As the vessel tilted further, moving through corridors and stairways became increasingly difficult. Furniture and other objects shifted, while water began entering parts of the ship. Passengers who had remained inside faced a growing risk of becoming trapped as the angle of the ferry changed.
Outside, rescue personnel began responding to the emergency. Coast Guard vessels, helicopters, and nearby boats became involved in efforts to save those aboard. Some passengers managed to reach the exterior of the ship or enter the water, where rescuers could reach them. Fishing boats and other civilian vessels also played a significant role in bringing survivors to safety.
