QE2 pilot 'overruled by captain'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.THE US pilot who was navigating the QE2 when it ran aground off Cape Cod, Massachusetts, last week, said yesterday he was not taking his preferred route because the captain overruled him.
But John Hadley said he had 'no problem' with Capt Robin Woodall's decision to use a slightly different route.
No one was hurt in the incident, but 1,815 people were evacuated from the Cunard-owned luxury liner, which is undergoing repairs in a Boston dry dock.
It was also disclosed yesterday that charts for the waters where the QE2 struck a rock last Friday had not been updated since 1939.
The liner is now thought to have suffered worse damage in the incident than first thought, putting back her re-entry to service by at least a month.
Mr Hadley, giving testimony at a coastguard hearing in Boston, described how he directed the ship to travel further north, but Capt Woodall ordered the QE2 back to its original course because he was worried about some shoals.
Mr Hadley said he supported the captain's decision, adding: 'If it made them more comfortable, that was fine by me.'
Mr Hadley testified that he relied totally on charts provided by the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration when navigating. The NOAA, which issues the charts used in US waters, acknowledged it had not surveyed the area since 1939.
Asked if he had any reason to think there were any obstructions, Mr Hadley replied: 'No sir. I based my information totally on the accuracy of the charts.'
Capt Dean Seidel, head of the NOAA survey unit, said divers had found one rock covered with paint chips in an uncharted shoal where the QE2 ran aground.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments