Mar 2 • 20:32 UTC 🇰🇷 Korea Hankyoreh (KR)

Final Judgment on the 'Stella Daisy' Sinking Should Be Fair [Because]

The family of a victim in the sinking of the cargo ship Stella Daisy is awaiting a crucial final judgment after years of legal battles and investigations.

The article reflects on the tragic sinking of the Stella Daisy, a cargo ship that occurred in the South Atlantic on March 31, 2017, resulting in the loss of 22 crew members, including the author's brother. The author, a member of the victim's family, shares her anguish over the past nine years spent searching for her loved one and participating in the legal processes that followed. Notably, they highlight the long and often painful pursuit of justice through maritime investigations and court rulings, culminating in a final judgment expected from the Ministry of Oceans and Fisheries after numerous hearings. The author recounts the realization that the government officials involved failed to communicate critical progress about the maritime investigation to the families of the victims, leading to feelings of isolation and helplessness. Their participation as stakeholders in the legal process, a first for victims in such cases, allowed them a direct voice in the proceedings, highlighting the emotional toll of confronting the companies responsible for the maritime disaster, which continuously deny any wrongdoing despite the tragic loss of life. The article culminates in the painful yet pivotal moment when the Busan Maritime Safety Tribunal officially concluded that the sinking was due to illegal practices by the ship's operator, Polaris Shipping. Contrary to emotions of relief, this ruling brought a profound sense of pain as the author contemplates the fate of the 22 victims still lost in the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, awaiting acknowledgment of their suffering and the need for accountability from those in charge of their safety at sea.

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