Disasters at Sea Season 1 Episode 3
Disasters at Sea
Season 1

Ep 3. Wreck of Rocknes

  • TV-14
  • October 12, 2018
  • 44 min
  •   (17)

Wreck of Rocknes is the third episode of the first season of Disasters at Sea. This episode takes a look at the tragic sinking of the Rocknes, one of the world's largest bulk carriers. On January 19, 2004, the Norwegian vessel was carrying a cargo of rock from the island of Elnesvagen to Rotterdam when it suddenly capsized and sank in the North Sea off the coast of Bergen, Norway.

The episode begins by introducing the crew of the Rocknes, a group of experienced sailors who had sailed the seas for years without incident. However, despite their experience, they were unable to prevent the disaster that ultimately cost the lives of 18 of the 30 crew members onboard. As the episode progresses, interviews with surviving crew members, family members, and experts help shed light on what went wrong and why.

The investigation into the Rocknes disaster revealed that the ship's design may have been a contributing factor. The Rocknes was built with a shallow draft, making it more susceptible to tipping over in rough seas. Additionally, the ship's cargo, which consisted of unevenly sized rocks, may have shifted, causing the vessel to become unstable.

However, the investigation also uncovered a more troubling issue: the captain and crew had failed to follow proper safety protocols. Interviews with crew members reveal that some had noticed the ship was listing to one side, but their concerns were not taken seriously. Instead, the captain continued to push the ship to its limits, ignoring warning signs and failing to take appropriate actions to prevent the disaster.

As the episode progresses, viewers are shown computer-generated reconstructions of the Rocknes capsizing, providing a visceral sense of the chaos and terror experienced by the crew. Surviving crew members recall the harrowing moment when the ship overturned, and they were trapped inside as the water began to rise.

The aftermath of the disaster is also detailed, including the extensive search-and-rescue operation that ultimately saved many of the crew members' lives. However, for the families of the 18 crew members who perished, the tragedy would have a lasting impact. Interviews with surviving family members, including children of the deceased, provide a touching and emotional look at the human toll of the disaster.

Overall, Wreck of Rocknes is a powerful and poignant episode that examines the complex factors and ultimately preventable mistakes that led to the sinking of one of the world's largest ships. Through interviews with survivors, family members, and experts, viewers gain a deeper understanding of the human cost of maritime disasters and the importance of following proper safety protocols at all times.

Description
Watch Disasters at Sea - Wreck of Rocknes (s1 e3) Online - Watch online anytime: Buy, Rent
Disasters at Sea, Season 1 Episode 3, is available to watch and stream on Smithsonian Channel. You can also buy, rent Disasters at Sea on demand at Google Play online.
  • First Aired
    October 12, 2018
  • Content Rating
    TV-14
  • Runtime
    44 min
  • Language
    English