JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The El Faro's owner sent a company-wide safety alert out about a hurricane last summer, but did not send one before the storm that contributed to the ship's sinking.
Phil Greene, CEO and President of Tote Services Inc., testified Wednesday at a U.S. Coast Guard investigative hearing that safety personnel sent out an alert for Hurricane Danny last summer only because it was the first storm of the season.
The 790-foot-long El Faro sank Oct. 1 after losing propulsion while sailing through Hurricane Joaquin. All 33 crew aboard died.
The panel is investigating if misconduct or other problems led to the ship's sinking in 15,000 feet of water near the Bahamas.
Greene said captains are responsible for ship safety, but that crew members can report if a voyage was unsafe.
