Central Figure In Ferry Sinking Issues Apology

Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:19 PM

One of the central figures in the tragic sinking of the Queen of the North, has issued a statement through his union, the B.C. Ferry and Marine Worker's Union.

Karl Lilgert was the 4th Officer on the Ferry when it went down in the early hours of March 22nd, 2006.

Here, in his own words, is his statement:

To everyone that was impacted by the sinking of the Queen of the North.

I regret this tragic accident occurred and its impact on all involved.

I continue to grieve for the missing persons and would, with all my heart, exchange my life for theirs.

I am sorry for the children of the missing persons and their families.

I am sorry for the passengers who survived, for their trauma and loss.

I am sorry for my shipmates for having to go through this tragic traumatic accident who did everything they could.

I am sorry for all involved that still to this day are having difficulty because of this traumatic accident.

I am sorry to BC Ferry and Marine Workers' Union for the grief and financial strain this disaster has created. I feel humble and indebted for the unconditional support I have received from them.

I am sorry for BC Ferries for having to deal with this tragedy.

I am sorry for my family and friends thatw ere impacted by this tragic accident, I am grateful for your understanding and support.

I am thankful for the community of Hartley Bay who opened their community and assisted the rescue.

Words are inadequate for the sorrow and grief I feel. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about everyone that was impacted by this tragic accident. For all of this, I am deeply sorry.

Sincerely,

Karl Lilgert

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Posted on Wednesday, March 12, 2008 12:19 PM in News by 250 News

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Comments

Posted by: thereasonableman on March 12 2008 12:58 PM

Sounds like he has a clear understanding of the impact, and is genuinely remorseful.

Posted by: lostfaith on March 12 2008 1:15 PM

Sounds like it.
I sure don't like the use of the word accident. Incident would be more appropriate.
Criminal negligence causing death is another group of words that quickly comes to mind. Who ever was supposed to be in control at the time of the incident certainly has some explaining to do.

Posted by: heidi1555 on March 12 2008 2:51 PM

Yes total remorse.

Posted by: realitysetsin on March 12 2008 3:39 PM

Good on this person for coming forward and doing this.

Posted by: keviebc on March 12 2008 7:59 PM

Maybe if he was truely remorseful, he might want to share what happenend in the lead up to the crash??

Posted by: Palopu on March 12 2008 8:30 PM

keviebc has it right. We need to know what really happened. There may have to be some civil action taken, by someone to get to the truth.

Posted by: Chester on March 12 2008 11:55 PM

Two years of study and nobody has come clean with what what did or didn't happen on the bridge during that fateful 14 minutes. I am all for forgiveness and accept his apology, but he must know what happened. Why not tell all of the truth and make the last two years of inquiry, more worthwhile? Chester

Posted by: thereasonableman on March 13 2008 12:47 AM

I agree. I can appreciate his remorse, but to truly offer closure to all persons involved, would be to offer the truth about the last 14 minutes. What was so preoccupying ?

Posted by: thereasonableman on March 13 2008 12:48 AM

Some of many possible answers:

- they were arguing or discussing their previously ended relationship

- they were making up

- they were indulging in something

Posted by: Eagleone on March 13 2008 7:26 AM

This is way out of place as part of his 'sorry':

"I am sorry for my family and friends that were impacted by this tragic accident, I am grateful for your understanding and support."

Why would family and friends be impacted? Or more importantly was it his wife that was impacted? And if so is that a major clue as to why he was missing from his position of responsibility for 14 minutes? If so is this apology nothing more then a further attempt to avoid responsibility for a crime he knows he committed, but still refuses to accept accountability for his actions and won�t come clean with his version of events.

I do not accept that apology, nor should anyone else. Sorry dude you should be on trial and made to tell the truth and the full truth and nothing but the truth. He pleads innocent (that is what this letter is), so his sentence should reflect that when and if he is found guilty.

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 13 2008 9:16 AM

This apology would have a lot more impact if this guy was telling all he knew.
And I don't believe for one second that he is.
Why do I get the feeling that B.C.Ferries would like this all to go away?
I rode that ferry with my family at least once a year for a long time,and when I think of how careless and selfish some of these crew members were,it makes me sick!
And I was taking my family into that kind of a situation under the mistaken belief that they were safe???
Somebody needs to go down for this, and we need to be told the truth about what happened.
And I think B.C. Ferries already KNOWS what happened, but again,they would rather it all went away before the lawsuits begin.

Posted by: gitterdun on March 13 2008 8:24 PM

Can you imagine if this was a truck driver that was involved in an accident that killed 2 people and he refused to tell what happened..........he'd be lynched by now! How can this guy get away with this?

Posted by: Andyfreeze on March 13 2008 10:12 PM

Exactly gitterdun,and that's the mystery about it.
Something very fishy here! (no pun intended)