Letter: Dangerous design

As a ship master I have been most interested in your coverage of the marine accident on the Italian coast. The vessel involved is what I always refer to as the floating haystack design.

As a master mariner, I had to study ship construction and stability to a reasonable level, though a naval architect I am not.

While I am sure the stability of the ships of this nature is quite up to the mark in normal floating conditions, in grounding situations, the stability of any vessel, but in particular the vessels of this type, changes radically; any list will cause the such a ship to topple.

The very large number of closed spaces does not help quick evacuation in such ships.

I believe the floating haystack design has been chosen because it makes it possible to cram in the largest number of passengers, many able to travel in expensive sea-view cabins. It is fortunate that strandings are rare, but with this type they can give rise to loss of life.

(Cpt) R Mill Irving

Station Road

Gifford, East Lothian