Some maritime experts say dependence on marine shipping to move people and goods is actually increasing, as road congestion all along the east coast mounts, making the shipping lanes and intercoastal connections faster and more economical for passengers and freight. But more shipping, especially more people relying on water transportation, means more potential for mishaps at sea, something that concerns maritime experts and Coast Guard officials. In the past 15 years or so, there have been at least five significant groundings of passenger vessels, including ocean liners, cruise ships and ferries around Cape Cod and the islands. There were no significant passenger injuries and no deaths. That is not to say the sea has not claimed its share of lives.
Fishermen die every year in accidents at sea.
What might change, some fear, is the likelihood of a major maritime accident, when a major evacuation of hundreds or more people is required under difficult situations at sea. We won't always be as lucky as we have been. So preparation is essential, if we want to avoid loss of life and serious injury. W. Russell Webster, commander of Coast Guard Group Woods Hole, is responsible for the waters around Cape Cod and the islands, down to Point Judith, R.I. Webster has joined with some 40 other regional, state and federal agencies to develop responses to a major marine emergency. State and local emergency medical agencies are working out ways to triage, or assess and prioritize, the injured, and to get them to the appropriate medical facility.