Just before Thanksgiving last year, November 14 to be exact, I received visions of scenes from what looked like “The Poseidon Adventure,” that classic disaster film where Hollywood capsized an ocean liner. I continued seeing images of a cruise ship turning over the following two nights. Then, on November 21, I wrote in my journal, “Something about Italy.” Additional scenes of a boating accident came to me on December 8, 9 and 12. So, when the news broke this week about the Costa Concordia tragedy off the Italian coast, I pieced together what I had started to receive two months prior.
While there are reports of six casualties and at least 29 missing of the 4,200 passengers, more about this disaster will unfold. Last night, I was shown the potential chain reaction that the damaged ship will have on fish, dolphins and other ocean dwellers. This morning’s front page of the paper led with concerns of the boat bleeding fuel. In comparison to the 2010 BP Gulf of Mexico nightmare, the environmental threat is much smaller in scale. Nonetheless, the area’s eco-culture will suffer if the situation is not addressed quickly, yet cautiously.
The investigation continues as its jailed captain, accused of allegedly making “unapproved, unauthorized maneuvers” awaits his fate. But, I sense additional evidence will surface that will show that other circumstances also played a part in the accident. In the meantime, Godspeed to those who are involved in the ongoing rescue mission.
Cruise ships have an admirable safety record, but there have been several headline-grabbing cases in recent years, relating to food poisoning and even power outages, that tarnished their image. I would expect that the leaders of this prosperous industry converge to raise the bar on their commitment to safety not only for passengers, but for sea creatures as well.
Mining is another industry that will soon experience another unfortunate event. Just this week, I’ve seen images of rubble in mines (I’m hearing “coal”) that look as though explosions were involved. For decades, miners have embarked on a trade from which most shy away. The underground conditions pose risks, but that should never deter from respecting the importance of safety for these laborers.
Whatever industry or business, it doesn’t pay to cut corners or sweep issues of concern under the carpet. BP learned the hard way and at a great expense to so many. Always take the high road – on land and at sea.
Love and light,
Tony