Why Ship Sinking Incidents Receive Less Media Attention Than Plane Crashes
The discrepancy in media coverage of maritime disasters compared to aviation accidents is a topic worthy of critical examination. While a significant plane crash often draws widespread media attention and public concern, the same level of scrutiny is not typically extended to ship sinkings, except in certain circumstances. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind this disparity and highlight some examples of notable maritime disasters that have received considerable media attention.
The Weight of Public and Media Concern
To begin with, public and media interest in maritime disasters is often limited to incidents involving ships in close proximity to shorelines where they have a direct impact on communities. For instance, unless a ship is near shore and has passengers or crew members with existing connections to the area, the sinking of a vessel often goes unreported. As one marine safety expert points out, 'no one gives a shit about a cargo ship unless it is near the shore, where there are relatives who care about it.'
Additionally, the involvement of foreign states in the sinking can also lead to a decrease in media coverage for strategic or diplomatic reasons. In certain regions, such as South America or the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) up around Alaska, maritime incidents are often treated with a degree of confidentiality for diplomatic considerations. This is not a rare occurrence and has been observed repeatedly in these areas.
Types of Maritime Incidents Reported by Media
There are varying degrees of maritime incidents that receive media attention, depending on the nature of the event. Significant loss of life in a ship sinking is usually a front-page news item. For example, the sinking of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise, MS Estonia, and the MV Sewol, which all involved substantial loss of life, were prominently featured in media reports across multiple platforms, including newspapers, television, and online news sources.
However, events such as the sinking of a smaller cargo ship or a recreational vessel generally do not receive the same level of attention outside of local or regional news outlets. A small maritime accident, much like a minor plane crash, typically does not make national headlines unless it occurs in a residential area, where the personal impact is more immediately felt.
Major Ship Disasters and Media Coverage
Even when a major ship is involved, such as the El Faro, a small container ship that sank in stormy conditions necessitating a massive search and rescue operation, the disaster received extensive media coverage. Following the full investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the incident was widely reported, highlighting the severity of the event and its implications for maritime safety.
On the other hand, smaller recreational boating accidents and minor ship disasters, similar to smaller plane crashes, are typically confined to local or regional news reports. These incidents, while important, do not usually attract the kind of national or international attention that major aviation disasters receive.
Conclusion and Implications
In conclusion, the imbalance in media coverage of maritime disasters and aviation accidents is influenced by a combination of factors, including the proximity of the incident, the number of casualties, and the involvement of foreign entities. While major maritime incidents, such as those involving passenger ships, receive considerable media attention, other types of ship sinkings or even the involvement of naval vessels may be downplayed for diplomatic reasons or because they do not directly impact shore-based communities. It is crucial to maintain a balanced perspective on these issues to ensure that all forms of maritime safety and disaster response receive the appropriate attention and resources necessary for improvement.