A shortsea ro-ro passenger and freight service operated up to seven sailings per day with a crossing time of about two hours. The ship’s deck crew were split into a day shift, which was led by the day Master, and a night shift led by the night Master. In the evening, the day Master sent an email to all ship departments warning of a forecast of heavy weather that night and the following morning.
All loose gear was to be secured prior to the ship’s scheduled departure at 20.20. The deteriorating...