The Burned Liner Cruising on luxury liners is so popular
a recreation to- day that a great many people must have felt personal uneasiness over the burning of the 'Morro Castle.' Com- ment on its details is best suspended, while each successive day brings forth its new .crop of sensational and often con- tradictory evidence. The ship was only built a few years ago ; it had most, though not all, the latest fire-protection devices ; yet it seems doubtful how far any of them were employed. The human element may easily cancel mechanical advantages in a sudden crisis. The crew was no doubt of mixed nationality, and the stories told by reliable witnesses are an incredible record of inefficiency and cowardice. The frank confession by members of the crew themselves that one boat contained two passengers out of a total of 32 and another one out of 20 is more damning than any comment could be. Conditions are probably safer on British vessels than on any others ; and passengers who affect in- difference to what flag their ship flies may usefully be reminded of that. There will probably be some lessons for constructors. A little less " luxury " and a little more asbestos might go far to remove the paradox of devouring flames on a steel structure.
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