Ep 18. Why Ships Sink

Why Ships Sink

Episode 18 of Season 39 of NOVA explores the phenomenon of ship sinking, answering the question of why it happens. For over a century, shipbuilders and engineers have dedicated their expertise to understanding why ships sink and searching for innovative ways to prevent it. However, despite the advancements in technology and safety measures have made, ships still continue to sink, and in some cases, with catastrophic consequences. The episode provides a detailed analysis of the various factors that contribute to ship sinking and examines the preventive measures in place to address them.

The episode features several real-life events where ships have sunk, including the Costa Concordia disaster of 2012, which claimed the lives of 32 people. It also looks into subsea operations carried out to investigate the wreckage of such incidents and the knowledge gained from them. The show highlights how recent advancements in technology are helping to enhance underwater investigations of sunken ships.

NOVA’s exploration of why ships sink goes beyond the effects of human actions, such as ship design errors and misuse. The episode also delves into natural causes that lead to ship sinking, such as inclement weather conditions like hurricanes, the impact of icebergs, and sea creatures like jellyfish. Additionally, the show examines the role of physics, including factors such as gravity, buoyancy, and pressure change, and how they interact with a ship’s structure.

The episode also offers insights into how computer simulations and modeling are transforming the way shipbuilders design vessels. By running simulations on how ships handle various weather conditions and wave types in advance, engineers can identify weaknesses and remedy them before a ship is constructed. The episode shows just how influential these models are in making ships safer and minimizing the risk of them sinking.

Another key focus of the episode is the vital role played by safety and emergency devices on a ship, such as lifeboats, life rafts, and life jackets. The episode analyses whether these safety devices are sufficient to protect passengers and crew members if a ship does sink and suggests ways to make them more effective in reducing loss of life and injury. The show even looks at technology designed to improve the time it takes to evacuate a ship in such an event, such as sophisticated computerized escape models.

Overall, the episode provides a fascinating look into the science behind why ships sink and examines how advancements in technology, design, engineering, and safety measures are improving the odds of preventing a ship sinking. It is a must-watch for anyone interested in maritime safety and the risks associated with the largest and most complex machines ever made by humans. NOVA takes on complex scientific concepts and presents them in an engaging and understandable format for viewers of all ages and backgrounds.