NEW YORK TIMES: The head of the company whose ferry sank in April, killing more than 300 people in one of South Korea’s worst disasters in decades, was convicted on Thursday of accidental homicide and embezzlement and sentenced to 10 years in prison.
Kim Han-sik, 71, the chief executive of Chonghaejin Marine Company, was among 11 officials from the ferry operator, the cargo company Union Transport and the port inspector Korea Shipping Association who were on trial for their roles in the disaster.
All but one were convicted of accidental homicide and other criminal charges. Seven of the officials were sentenced to two to six years in prison. Two other officials were given suspended prison terms. Another official, a senior ship inspector, was acquitted of obstruction of justice, the only charge he had faced… (more)
EDITOR: It is good to see that at least South Korea will hold executives responsible for tragedies they could have prevented, although we question that the “homocides” should be considered “accidental”. In the USA, we simply fine the company which considers it another minor cost of doing business.
Safety should be a top concern of every CEO and radiate throughout the company. Not only is the moral, but it usually ends up being more profitable.
Incidentally, from our first hand experiences and the number of reported accidents and problems with their ships, we question the judgment and scruples of the Carnival Line with its many subsidiaries and almost monopoly over the cruise industry.
