Many Titanic International Society members have been  following closely the developments in the tragedy of the cruise ship Costa Concordia off the western coast of Italy. Many comparisons to the Titanic disaster have been a part of the news media’s ongoing coverage of the event.

TIS member David Hutchings has forwarded a link that may help our members and website visitors understand what may have happened on the night of January 13, 2012.

Capt. John Konrad, a US Coast Guard-licensed master mariner unlimited, has charted the final moments and maneuvers of the Costa Concordia using data from the Automatic Identification System (AIS) — an automatic tracking system used for identifying and locating vessels by electronically exchanging data on course, speed and headings with other nearby ships and AIS base stations. Capt. Konrad interprets the data from an experienced mariner’s point of view, and explains the scenario so that even a “landlubber” can understand it. The presentation runs approximately 15 minutes. Capt. Konrad’s interpretations are his own, and do not necessarily reflect the views of Titanic International Society, its trustees or members. The presentation is offered here only for informational purposes and does not constitute an endorsement by TIS of his opinions.

It can be viewed at http://vimeo.com/35351659