In our modern society we come to think that our technology and engineering has eliminated most risks to home, business and industry. The
potential loss of the U.S. cargo ship El Faro is a reminder of the hazards and what havoc nature can still bring upon the best in engineering that we have to offer.
We are not immune to natural hazards. No matter how strong, how big or how technically advanced we can make our facilities, equipment and infrastructure -- nature can and will continue to win many battles.
The ship is owned and operated by Tote, which happens to be based here in Washington state. They serve islands in the Caribbean and here in the Northwest, Washington and Alaska.
Photo of the El Faro
Eric Holdeman is a contributing writer for Emergency Management magazine and is the former director of the King County, Wash., Office of Emergency Management.
