Dateline Dayton – What ever happened to the gallant notion of the captain heroically going down with his ship? 

A little over two years ago, a Costa cruise ship rammed into a reef, killing 32.  The captain was among the first to flee the ship.  He is now on trial for his actions. He defended his escape by rationalizing that “I could better direct rescue operations from land.” We will see what a court of law has to say about that.

Now we have the Korean ferry boat accident, and once again the captain was one of the first off the boat.  This, after giving orders for everyone to stay in their cabins, where, it is believed, most have perished.

Not only did the captain abandon ship, it appears he killed all the missing by his poor judgment.  Everyone should have been instructed to get to the lifeboat area immediately.  Of course, the captain was not at the helm. He probably had no idea what was happening to his ship. In my opinion, that is no excuse. He is responsible for his ship.

It will be interesting to see how the investigation of this accident unfolds.  The sad thing is the tragic loss of all these young lives.  Captains need to be better trained in how to deal with accidents instead of how to quickly save themselves

Bad decision are not just made at sea. We have the mystery of the missing airplane, with hundreds aboard.  My theory always has been that the plane has landed and the passengers are being held hostage.  This would be great news. But it is unlikely after this length of time. If it had been true, someone would have made a ransom demand.

Despite these large losses of life, travel by air and by sea is safer than traveling in your automobile.

Bad decisions are not just made at sea or in the air. The CEO of National Cash Register  is contemplating another move for the company founded here. Five years ago NCR moved from Dayton to Duluth, GA.  Now they are considering moving from Duluth to Atlanta, 30 miles from its present location.

The CEO wants to be near Georgia Tech, a school he serves in an advisory capacity.  How much did the move from Dayton cost this company? What will be the expense of another move?  Doesn't the Board of Directors have any say? Or do they just not care?  Does anyone question the competence of the people in charge at NCR?

NCR has impacted the lives of many here in Dayton. They are at it again.

Mr. Hennessey may be contacted at pmhenn@sbcglobal.net