Original subtitles

WARSAW, 13 JANUARY 22 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL

Ladies and gentlemen, I hope you've had a lovely morning so far.

I know today is Wednesday,

but we might be able to bend reality a bit.

If we all listen to this song, will Friday come faster?

Let's try it.

Morning. Monika's still asleep?

-Hmm? -She's still resting.

In Malmö there's an IKEA.

I'll get a crib for her.

When are you coming back, then?

Sooner than you'd want me to be.

You're gonna look after your mother and your sister for a while,

instead of hanging out with that boy Macioszek.

If you wanna be a man, then start acting like one.

Come on, give him a break. Here's your tea.

-Thank you. -Thanks.

You're welcome.

Do you want…

scrambled eggs or fried?

-Scrambled. -Fried.

Fried it is, then.

Monday you can hold your head

Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed

You just wait.

Yeah. We'll see, won't we?

She'll come.

Hurry up, will you?

-Coming. -Aga!

Your sandwiches!

What's the date?

The thirteenth. Good it's not a Friday.

You've got a Scania.

Your usual truck's being serviced.

I hope that's all right.

-That's fine. -Oh… and this too.

Safe journey.

Thanks.

POLISH ARMED FORCES

-Morning. -Thank you.

About time.

Farmers striking again.

How much is there?

Well… I'm glad we're not the ones having to load.

Oh, fuck.

-Quite a lot of it. -A fucking truckload.

In the northern regions, it will be cloudy

with slight drizzle or even snowfall.

In the centre and east of the country,

there will be a gradual increase in cloudiness

along with possible light precipitation.

In the rest of the country, clear skies.

Road's blocked.

…temperatures from one degree in the southeast,

to six degrees in the south.

-Oh, fucking great. -We'll be here all day.

…and north-west will continue throughout the day.

Mrs Kaczkowska, did your husband frequently sail to Sweden?

Well, sometimes as often as four times a month.

So he was familiar with the route?

Um, actually, that was the only route he worked on.

And how often did he sail on the ferry Jan Heweliusz?

Uh, I don't know exactly but…

quite often, I'd say.

And were there any issues that he'd noticed?

Anything he talked about?

Or worried about? Did he mention anything?

Maybe he was aware of something?

Marek… didn't like working in the winter months.

Because he was afraid of storms.

-Specifically when on Heweliusz? -No, not only then.

But on Heweliusz?

He was. Yes.

What about Karkonosze?

Pardon me,

but this really has no relation to the case, if you'll let us continue.

Uh, I'm just trying to demonstrate that

Mr Kaczkowski was generally afraid,

uh, in the winter to cross the Baltic Sea

and not specifically while sailing on Heweliusz.

-Isn't that right, Mrs Kaczkowska? -Er…

Let's get back to the point, if we may. I'll ask again.

Did your husband ever tell you anything regarding Heweliusz?

Perhaps about some unusual behaviour from the captain or the crew?

Er, please refrain from leading those being questioned.

That's enough. Silence, please, Mr Budzisz.

So, would you mind telling us anything that your husband

might have mentioned about Captain Ułasiewicz or the crew?

Um, Sir, I'm not entirely sure what you want me to say?

Or the point of this shallow investigation or what I'm actually doing up here.

You should know I've been cheated by everyone.

And nobody… nobody has apologised for what I've gone through as well.

I went to meet Marek, as I believed that he was there,

in Świnoujście.

My husband.

Because I was told he was among the survivors.

And when I arrived with my son, he wasn't there.

A mistake, they called it.

A mistake is something you make while dialling a phone number.

But people? With life or death, though?

Do you know how I felt when I…

realised I was there to meet a stranger?

A complete stranger?

Madam, we understand your bitterness.

We are very sorry about that terrible situation.

Although, however, it might not have happened

if the Heweliusz was kept in order…

Sir…

Sir, let me assure you that, inside, I have so much rage that'll never go

and that's understandably towards the captain and the crew.

Yes, but I can also see exactly what is happening!

I may be a simple woman, but I'm not a stupid woman.

I know very well what you gentlemen are doing.

So important, so influential,

and yet you're only protecting your business

and your own interests.

Because I'm the one who still has to pay all my husband's debts, mind you!

-Mrs Kaczkowska, please calm yourself. -No! Please don't interrupt me.

Let me finish!

I have no idea who's at fault.

It could be the captain or someone else entirely.

I do know most of the responsibility should be the State's.

Meaning the State that you gentlemen are representing!

-She's right! -You failed!

All of you! You should have shown more vigilance!

Of course, it'll be the families of the victims that suffer the costs.

If just one wish was possible, then…

it would be to have…

to be left in peace.

To not have to deal with this any more.

Because I already know…

that justice is something we're never going to get.

There's not a single person who really wants to know what the truth is.

I realised that when I was being told

what kind of testimony to give today.

Who… Who told you what to say?

And all I want…

All I want is to know my husband's emotions.

I just need to know…

if he was thinking about me, about our kids.

What is it that you mean? Did someone tell you what to say? Who?

It doesn't matter.

-Excuse me. -What was your husband transporting?

-Please! I'll have silence! -Weapons and ammunition?

-Did he… -Be quiet, everyone. That's an order!

Excuse me.

Silence everyone, please!

Please! Please be quiet, ladies and gentlemen!

Order please, everyone!

The Chamber now calls the next interested party to the stand.

Excuse me, just one more question.

-Did your husband know what he was… -Piss off right now!

All right, kid!

Everything okay?

You're an expert in toxicology, correct?

Yes.

And you examined the stomach contents

of the deceased crew who were sailing on Heweliusz?

Yes, I did. Some of them.

So tell us, did anything significant

attract your attention?

In one of the deceased crew member's stomachs,

traces of alcohol were present.

So one could make a reasonable assumption,

you seem to be saying,

that there's a possibility that many could have been drunk.

Is that correct?

I can't confirm that with 100 percent certainty.

But neither am I able to rule it out.

If it's unable to be confirmed,

there's no grounds for it to be used for an accusation.

Counsel, I didn't give permission for your question.

And previously you referred to a trace of alcohol.

Could you tell us the crew member in question?

Officer Skrzypczyński.

But that's impossible! My husband hated alcohol.

-Order! -How can he say that? It's not the truth!

-That's enough interruptions! -No further questions.

Thank you.

-Excuse me. I have one question. -Go ahead, Counsel.

Was the body of Captain Ułasiewicz

tested for traces of alcohol?

Yes, it was.

And, so?

There were no traces of alcohol present.

No further questions.

-Thank you. You're free to go. -Thank you.

We would now like to call, as a witness,

Major Artur Ferenc.

Quiet now. That's enough, please.

Please state your name.

My name is Artur Antoni Ferenc,

I'm a Major.

On behalf of the secret services,

I investigated the catastrophic sinking of Jan Heweliusz.

Allow me to remind you that you are here under oath.

Your Honour, may I ask a question?

-Yes, you may. -Thank you, sir.

Major Ferenc, um, why were the services investigating?

Would you say it was to do with… the cargo?

I don't know what you mean, sir.

We had concerns about a possible act of sabotage or terrorism.

Mm-hmm, and so?

We quickly rejected those.

But whilst investigating, we came across a few other interesting facts.

Which were?

Here are the medical records of Captain Andrzej Ułasiewicz.

Please present to the Chamber this documentation.

Thank you.

Last year, the captain had a serious accident.

The discharge papers from the hospital clearly claim that he may…

no longer be fit to operate vehicles.

After seeing a neurologist,

my husband was… certified fit to work as usual.

All right. It shall be put on the record, Mrs Ułasiewicz.

However, we need the supporting declaration.

-Do you have the declaration? -Kubara kept it.

Apologies, Major. Please go on.

Thank you.

The captain wasn't the only one that had serious health issues

which could have critically affected navigational skills

and the general ability to assess the situation at sea.

One of the officers, Waldemar Skrzypczyński,

shortly before the catastrophe,

underwent major eye surgery. Here are the papers.

This is deplorable.

You killed my husband and now you destroy his good reputation!

Order. That's enough now!

While calling for help and making the mayday call,

the officer in question managed to radio the wrong location that night…

That's not true!

…which could have hindered the rescue mission.

-It clearly did. -The officer?

Waldemar's eyesight was perfect after the operation!

I really must insist on silence!

Mr Ferenc, what are you talking about?

You and your collaborators are showing the lack of experience you have.

You're amateurs, and know as much about the navy as I do about sumo.

It's not the officer that gives the ship's location.

It's always the captain. Am I right, Captain Kubara?

Please, that's enough.

Please, ladies and gentlemen. Quieten down. Order!

So, how do we know that the wrong location was given?

I can't find that written down anywhere.

I know the rescue mission was delayed because they didn't have their location.

Tell me, Piotr…

Why are you hijacking what we're doing?

It's not that simple.

But I'm finding this process shameful.

Turning Ułasiewicz into a person who's a drunk and unable to operate ferries?

Heniek, it's despicable.

Maybe it was his fault, but he can't be degraded like this!

-The verdict must be impartial. -It will be. I guarantee it.

Andrzej was a friend of mine as well.

Unfortunately, the truth is he gave the wrong position.

I know, because I was on the bridge and I heard him.

How can you be so sure, if you didn't even go there?

Because I can be!

I heard their communication!

The coordinates they gave were on land.

Mm-hmm.

You don't believe me?

At least try to appear objective.

Why is the shipowner being completely ignored?

Or all of the ferry's problems, which they're aware of?

Piotr, the ship was yours as well.

You were also responsible for its safety.

So I suggest you should ask yourself in the mirror,

"What could I have done to prevent this happening?"

You've come for advice?

No, the damage has been done.

You were right. I should've stayed out of it.

They'll destroy Ułasiewicz and the whole crew…

without a second thought.

And I have to play my part,

don't I?

They're running it.

No one's watching over their shoulders.

You.

You keep watching.

I'm just a fig leaf in this case.

Seriously? You're telling me that's news to you?

We're sailing across a sea full of shit.

We always have.

Sailing used to be an adventure.

Now, it's business.

And always will be.

Kowalik's a fucking arsehole.

And he thrives in this new world,

and that's why he'll always have the upper hand over you.

And you're going to lose.

Shall we go in?

No, no, no, no.

The sea's beautiful today.

Got anything for me, then?

Is Mum on the lookout?

Leaving are you?

Yes. I'll come again when the hearings are over.

Mm-hmm.

You know, when you were little,

I often went to swim in the sea,

and you'd stand on the shore,

and shout at the top of your lungs

for me to come back.

-Do you remember? -Hmm.

Because you thought I wouldn't return.

Sweetheart?

You know the sea's not that important.

And that's really the truth of it.

As everything's just a phase.

I don't want you to end up the same way.

-Mum… -Mm?

I think it's going to take a bit longer.

I'm gonna go nuts here soon.

Auntie won't leave me alone.

She keeps asking how I'm feeling.

Hold on a little longer.

Mum, why are they being so horrible and disrespectful about Dad?

I don't know.

But try not to think about it.

Don't read the newspapers, you hear me?

And ignore the TV.

I'm already doing that.

-Love you so much. -Love you too.

Bye.

I don't know if anything can be gained here.

I'm sorry. I'm doing everything I can.

So, they'll pin it on Andrzej, then?

Do you know Aga's opinion?

You have to prove that doing an about into the wind wasn't his responsibility.

I'm sure he had a reason to do it.

Of course. I think so too. But, uh, we need to prove it.

The outcome depends on it.

And the… military cargo what about that?

The additional weight would've caused a significant overload

and potentially we could find concrete evidence of that going on?

But ferries usually sail overloaded

and yet they manage to get back to port.

Heweliusz capsized because of that about.

In conditions like that, it shouldn't be done.

Mm?

Do you want us to come with you?

No. I'll manage, it's all right.

-You sure? Because if you need us… -I'm sure.

Let all of this just finally be over.

And I'll go back to earning decent money at sea.

Are you joking?

Thank you, Mr Janicki.

Er, no further questions.

Thank you.

Are there any questions from anyone else for Mr Janicki?

-Yes, please. -Go ahead then, Counsel.

Mr Janicki, erm…

…I've a couple of points I'd like to clarify with you,

because you have the expertise I'm interested in.

Did you know that Heweliusz had a problem with stability?

Of course I did. But I think everyone knew that.

And do you know why it has such an issue?

Excuse me, Counsel. That is beyond the competence of the witness.

Well, I guess that it could be due to the fact that

after the upper deck fire in 1988,

in order to save money, the deck was covered in concrete.

Thus overloading the ferry by 115 tons

at the height of three floors

over the waterline.

Counsellor Budzisz, ships go through repairs

and their weight can be altered. Their stability as well.

What point are you trying to make?

Oh, I'm wondering why a ferry as unstable as this

was allowed to depart in the middle of a storm.

But I've already said that the weather when Heweliusz left wasn't as bad as that.

There was a force six or seven on the Beaufort scale.

Ah-ha. So, the captain didn't do anything wrong that night

by choosing to sail?

So, Mr Janicki, a force six or seven shouldn't be an issue

for a ferry of that size, should it?

Not really.

Let me say again, to the best of his knowledge,

the captain did not endanger anyone by leaving the port that night.

I presume.

Is that it? You don't have a stronger opinion?

As presumably he received the weather forecast from you,

from the harbour master's office, correct?

Yes.

You were also the ones who allowed the ferry to leave port, right?

Yes.

So, if you'd be so kind to tell me, how is it possible

that you allowed the departure of Heweliusz

if you knew the weather past Rügen was terrible at the time?

We didn't know at that time.

Oh, that's interesting!

Excuse me. I have here

an emergency weather communication from Germany,

from January 13th,

sent at 11 pm that night,

that clearly warns of a hurricane approaching from the North Sea.

Uh…

Yes?

Uh, I'm here to testify. Witold Skirmuntt.

Uh-huh.

Have a seat. They're still grilling Janicki.

We… We didn't know about that alert.

This alert was communicated to all ports on the Baltic,

although only you downplayed it.

Why was that so?

Maybe it was because no one

in the harbour master's office in Świnoujście…

I have to repeat this, nobody in that harbour master's office

can understand German at all.

It should've been in English!

You missed an approaching hurricane

with wind speeds stronger than 180 kilometres an hour!

That hurricane could not have been that strong.

It's written there.

It's clearly documented.

It says "98 knots", and that is 180 kilometres an hour.

So, is mathematics also an issue for you?

But such hurricanes don't exist!

Well this one did!

That's enough, thank you. No further questions.

Thank you, Counsel.

Excuse me, Chief Judge, may I?

Er, nevertheless, Mr Budzisz,

there were many other ships, mine included,

that safely returned to port that night.

You, Captain Kubara, didn't think to warn Ułasiewicz either.

Even though, as far as I know,

your wind speed sensors were running off the scale.

You were sailing back from Rügen, I believe?

Sir, please don't involve me with your imputation.

Yes, it's true the weather was harsh, but that's all.

And probably why Captain Ułasiewicz made an unnecessary about to hide behind Rügen.

And that's what would have caused the scudding,

if you're keeping up with what I'm talking about.

I am, I am. I just don't understand why, if the weather wasn't as bad as that,

would Ułasiewicz want to hide…

You're trying to pick holes in everything being said!

You're trying to pick holes in everything!

What's full of holes is your theory about the captain!

Heweliusz was clearly an unstable wreck

operating with faulty bow thrusters and a defective ballast system.

It is an utter miracle it hadn't sunk sooner.

There were costs cut at the expense of safety

and these are the results.

Sir! Heweliusz underwent all repairs in reputable shipyards,

so let's give this performance a rest.

-Mr Janicki, thank you, you're free to go. -I have one more question!

Everyone, please, I will have order!

-I've got one more question! -Order, please!

The Chamber will adjourn for ten minutes.

Then we'll call on the next witness.

Thank you.

What a clusterfuck!

Who introduced Mrs Ułasiewicz to Budzisz?

That's not what matters.

Janusz, composure.

Fuck that!

I have the composure of a train full of Tibetan monks!

-Who was it? -I introduced them.

Now we know. That's better.

Fucking hallelujah.

The captain's wife was my responsibility.

Gentlemen, composure. Let's calm down.

-Now we're talking to that officer, um… -Skirmuntt.

Skirmuntt, right. It's gonna be fine, Janusz.

-It's gonna be fine. -I bloody hope so.

And later you and I will speak.

Let me remind you you're testifying under oath.

Mr Skirmuntt, you were on the bridge just before the disaster.

Yes. Yes, for some time.

Can you please tell us, in your own words,

what was occurring on the bridge that night?

It was as you'd think.

Mm… We were battling the elements.

Same as you on Karkonosze.

And can you tell us what your position was on the bridge?

I was on watch.

-And where was the captain? -Sleeping.

Quiet, ladies and gentlemen.

Silence, please!

Do you mean to say that

the captain wasn't present on the bridge during the storm?

Obviously, as soon as the problems started,

the captain came up to be there.

Sir, was it your decision to load down the port side ballast system?

No.

That was the decision of Officer Skrzypczyński on the first watch.

Because the wind…

…was heeling the ship to starboard,

so we decided to even it out by loading more onto the…

the… the port side.

That was to, uh, even the list for a while.

Only for a while, why was that?

Because once we made the about into the wind…

…the ferry capsized under the force.

But why would you try to execute an about?

I don't know, er…

I was no longer on the bridge by then.

-So where were you? -Sorry?

I said, where were you?

Er…

I was in the engine room.

The captain told me to check the ballast valves.

Mr Skirmuntt,

do you like to drink?

-This is ridiculous! -Silence, please!

-Come on! It's absurd, though! -I… I will have silence!

Order, please!

I have information from the hospital you were in

that you had a bottle of alcohol with you.

Yes, I did have one with me.

It was given to me by the ambassador. It…

And so… did you drink it with him?

-Is he joking? -Excuse me.

Can we please drop this ridiculous tack towards the crew's drunkenness?

Counsel, I'm afraid it's not you who gets to decide what leads are brought up.

-But I will object to such insinuations! -Er… please, sit yourself down.

Mr Skirmuntt, would you mind informing us… how exactly you became an officer?

I was promoted.

So you never attended any maritime school?

I was promoted from sailor to officer

by working at sea with Captain Ułasiewicz.

Very well. So your promotion was actually… discretionary.

I'm not entirely sure what you mean.

My experience was gained in the form of practice.

Sir, what I mean is a simple question.

Were you the right person to be alone on the bridge

during a storm of this scale?

The captain was on the bridge

and you know that since that's where his body was found.

Yes, but did he show up after the ferry had capsized?

Maybe it was just before that he arrived.

Excuse me, Captain Kubara.

Er, don't you find it strange that such an experienced captain

would make a rookie mistake

and go about in an unevenly ballasted ferry?

I don't know. You say it's a mistake, maybe it wasn't!

Or maybe it wasn't the captain's mistake?

That would also resolve Captain Binter's doubts,

who thinks Ułasiewicz was too experienced of a commander

to make such a mistake.

Maybe it was you who made the about

and caused the ship to capsize?

-Is this an interrogation or mob justice?! -Mr Celej!

Mr Celej, sit down!

Order, please!

Your Honour, without any prompting,

I would also like to hear the officer's response to the question.

Captain, I really cannot allow requests.

We're all here to establish the undeniable causes of this catastrophe,

and the facts are what they are.

And you, Mr Skirmuntt, will tell us what happened.

I did not capsize the vessel!

The about was ordered by the captain.

-Because he had no other option! -Why was it the only option?

I don't know, because I wasn't on the bridge then.

-Mr Skirmuntt? -Yes?

If you weren't on the bridge then, how can you know that this about

came from the captain?

Officer!

Please, would you wait?

-Officer… -Captain, the sinking of the ship…

I didn't do it! I didn't!

It wasn't me.

Why don't you just tell me what did happen?

Why did you say that Ułasiewicz had reason to make the about?

Mr Skirmuntt?

You'll find the answer on the Ostsee Radio tapes.

The German radio communication station.

BIRTH CERTIFICATE

INSURANCE POLICY WITOLD SKIRMUNTT

Come here, kitty.

There you go. Eat up.

Wish me luck.

POLISH-GERMAN BORDER

Ostsee Radio, Ostsee Radio, Kempen.

We're at the site of the disaster.

Please repeat that, you're breaking up!

Ostsee Radio, Ostsee Radio, Kempen.

Excuse me.

These are the tapes from 4 am, yes?

Uh, yeah. From four to quarter past five.

Er, what is this ship? Kempen?

I have to check that.

Okay, thank you.

Ostsee Radio, Ostsee Radio, Kempen.

We're at the site of the disaster.

On our left is the Polish ferry Jan Heweliusz.

-So we're launching a rescue… -Give us your coordinates!

Ostsee Radio, Ostsee Radio, Kempen.

We're at the site of the disaster.

On our left is the Polish ferry Jan Heweliusz.

-So we're launching a rescue mission… -Give us your coordinates!

I'd say we're about 16 miles east of Kolliker.

Sixteen miles east of Kolliker.

Kempen. Come in, Kempen!

This is Kempen, this is Kempen. The conditions are too rough.

We're too small. We're leaving.

Kempen, Kempen!

Do I understand correctly that you're leaving?

-Yes. -Understood.

We have no information on Kempen.

But you did have some communication with them, didn't you?

Yeah, but we don't have any information.

Can I get a copy of these recordings?

Take the originals.

We're not going to make extra copies.

Will you send them back to me?

Thank you.

Budzisz speaking.

This is Binter.

Counsellor, you have to listen to me very carefully.

Heweliusz was on a collision course with a German ship.

The captain had to make the about.

What? I don't understand. A collision course?

How so? There were no other ships there.

Nobody mentioned anything. How do you know this?

It can be deduced from recordings I have from Ostsee Radio.

-Recordings? -Yes.

On the day of the catastrophe.

I have them here with me. I'll present them to the Chamber tomorrow.

But you see, Counsellor,

This changes everything about the case!

The German ship had the right of way.

A moment after the disaster, the captain of that ship says they've got Heweliusz…

Excuse me.

You can cross now.

I have to go. Uh… I'll see you tomorrow.

Did you forget something?

Thank you. Fuck.

-Was that Binter? -Yes.

What did he want?

He's uncovered something.

Today is the last day of the hearings, as well as the closing arguments.

The Maritime Chamber will then analyse all the material evidence they've got.

We hope to expect a ruling within a month from now.

Waiting for today's ruling is almost all of Poland.

And, in particular, local residents,

families of those deceased, and many sailors.

We will keep you up to date with how the hearing progresses

and all developments we have.

Five minutes.

We're going to have to get on with it.

Let's just shoot the whole thing, all right?

We'll edit it later. Okay?

Okay?

It's amazing that it works without a cable.

Where's Binter?

Ladies and gentlemen,

this morning we've received some incredibly sad and tragic news.

We have been informed that late last night,

a fatal car crash occurred,

claiming the life of one of our lay judges,

Captain Piotr Binter.

For this reason, I adjourn today's hearing until tomorrow.

Jola, I really think you should stay until the conclusion.

I've had enough.

I want to go back to my daughter.

I do understand, but tomorrow is the closing argument.

Closing of what?

-Could I give you a lift to the station? -No, thank you.

I've something to do first and you have to prepare for tomorrow.

See you again.

Hi, honey. I'm in Świnoujście already,

but we've got a bit of a delay because of some minor malfunction.

Maybe we won't leave port at all.

The weather's been rough the past few days.

ŚWINOUJŚCIE 13 JANUARY

I guess it's because I left Baba Jaga in the car.

10 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL

Yesterday, a squall hit the side so hard that

we managed to ram into the wharf with the stern.

So now the boys are busy trying to patch up the damage from the collision.

I really don't like sailing Heweliusz in this kind of weather.

The propulsion was supposed to be fixed but I don't think they did it.

Anyway, tell Aga I bought her those Daim bars she asked for,

but tell her she needs to work harder at school.

And I'm so sorry for everything I said.

I get upset when I'm exhausted.

Maybe we could all go skiing?

-Andrzej! -When I get back?

-Andrzej! Andrzej! Come on! -Mm?

Yes, yes, yes! Hold on a second! I'm coming.

Oh, and honey, can you please record theTrójka Radio Chart for me?

I think there's a cassette, er, by the basket.

Better go now.

I love you all. Kiss everyone for me. Hania, Janusz, as well.

See you in five days.

Kisses. Loads of them.

Andrzej's our man, I guarantee. I swear by him, you understand?

-He won't complain? -Of course not!

Everything is going to be okay, you'll see.

Right.

-Oh, hi, Andrzej! -Hi.

-Meet Mr Ferenc. -Captain Ułasiewicz.

Listen, there's a request from the higher echelons.

You think we could delay departure?

-Even more delay? -Just a little while.

The conditions are tough. And it could get fucking worse.

We're expecting a delivery, a diplomatic one.

Andrzej, you can make it in any weather!

-Andrzej. -What?

This is really important. Do you understand?

You'll do it?

Well, I could, but will Heweliusz?

Thank you.

Come on.

I told you everything would be okay. Andrzej's your man.

And it was just a little something for the kids, you know?

The wife and I really enjoyed it too!

Come on.

Thank you very much.

-Ah! -What an official reception.

We rarely host such VIPs on the ferry.

-Oh, and Marta of course. -Hello.

Your cabins are ready.

-The purser will take you there. -Hello.

And if he wants to,

this little sailor can come and visit the bridge.

-If you'd like? -Oh, thank you so much!

He's a little scared to be honest. He's a new sailor.

I understand. The perfect person to take care of him is Ola here.

-Yes. -Will you go with Ms Ola?

-Shall we go? -Okay.

Follow me.

How's it going? You done?

All right, yeah. It's done.

Go and tell the old man that the stern gate's been fixed.

-But it… -Get your legs moving then. Shift!

She doesn't say very much.

Nowadays, they don't teach them to say "dada" first.

Hi, everyone.

-Hello. -Hi, Waldek. Hi, Waldek.

How are your eyes?

-Like in primary school. -Welcome.

-Great. -I forgot how ugly the world could be.

But when I look at you guys…

-Hi, Waldek. -Hey.

-New Dad alert. Big changes, huh? -It's a shock.

I'm jealous, man.

-Hi, Zajdel. -Hey, lads.

Captain, the stern gate's been patched up.

Okay, then you can start the loading.

Oh, and just take your time.

-We're waiting on more transport. -Okay, yeah. Got it.

Extra transport?

-Something for the embassy. -Oh, right.

-You're probably not sleeping much. -Now she's teething.

-Ah. -So more crying 'cause of that.

Go parallel with Leszek.

Back up! Back up!

Go! Go straight on!

Good, good. Back up! Good!

Move that white truck in between those two over there.

Or else we're gonna list too much to the right.

Hold on, hold on. Chief!

Chief! Come over here!

-That's it. -Stop!

Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!

Fucking stop!

-What the fuck's going on?! -Nothing's going on here.

Just calm down and mind your own business.

-This is my only business! -Oh, yeah? Here you go.

Holy fuck.

Go!

Hey, park this at the stern right in the middle.

-Say again, where shall I put it? -At the stern.

Okay, will do.

Brace yourselves, ladies. It's going to be a rocky one.

Unfortunately, I know. When are we departing?

-Thank you. -Um… not long now, hopefully.

What time is it?

Captain, may I have a word with you?

-Excuse me. -Yes, of course.

-Yeah? -Maybe I should check on Maciek?

-We have a problem, sir. -What is it?

One of the trucks is a lot heavier than its declared weight.

-By what? -Thirty tons.

-So fucking reject it. -We can't do that.

I presume you know.

Ah, I do.

What's our draught currently?

Already at weight limit and there's three trucks waiting to get loaded.

They'll have to wait for the next one.

-So loading's over? -It's done.

That's loading over.

I repeat, the loading's over.

All loading is over!

What do you mean? Is this a fucking joke?

It's orders straight from the captain!

But I have per-hour contracts. I've got to get over there!

You'll have to take the next one. Shit happens.

Thanks for your fucking help, then!

-What the fuck did he say? -We're not fucking sailing!

All right, we're leaving.

We're already three hours delayed.

Higher powers. What can you do?

We'll sail on four engines, gain some time back.

Hmm, I'm not sure…

Captain, the Germans on the radio said something about a hurricane.

Somewhere near Arkona.

Hurricane?

Harbour master's office, Harbour Master, this is Heweliusz.

Yes, Andrzej. Go on.

Do you know anything about a hurricane? The Germans mentioned it on the radio.

We don't know anything.

The wind is strong but not that bad.

Besides, this isn't the Caribbean.

So, no one stayed put?

Everything's running. You're clear to depart.

Thank you.

Bridge Two, start four engines and two bow thrusters.

I went once with my wife.

And, er… now they all went to live in Strzelin.

-Uh-huh. -No, hold on.

Good. Um…

Okay, so the food we had there was really great.

So I thought we should, er, you know…

Raise the ramp. Cast off all lines.

Raise the ramp. Cast off all lines.

Ramp is raised.

Clear at the stern.

Bow clear.

Let's depart.

Ready to close.

Commence the closing of the gates.

The bullshit thirteenth.

Gate closed and locked.

Take the helm. Steer zero fifty-five.

Helm taken. Zero fifty-five.

Aye, Captain. Zero fifty-five.

ŚWINOUJŚCIE PORT ENTRANCE HEADS 4.5 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL

-Here's your soup. -Thank you.

Enjoy it.

-Had soup already? -Yes, thanks.

-Roast or chicken? -Roast, thanks.

Bridge, Captain. End of manoeuvres. Switching to navigational.

Sustain four engines and the generators.

Yes.

Waldek, you're on until two o'clock. Then you hand over to Witek.

Maintain 355.

If you're off course, correct to 350.

Yes, sir.

If anything happens, just let me know.

-Goodnight. -Night.

Accidents such as the sinking of Jan Heweliusz

never have just one single cause.

And there is never just one single person responsible either.

There are all sorts of things that lead to a… a tragedy.

The sum of many factors

must align and all coincide together

to result in a catastrophe.

14 JANUARY 3 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL

-Why the fuck is it listing so much? -'Cause it's fucking windy.

Chief!

If they don't straighten it up, there's nothing we can do about it!

Bridge, Bridge, this is Celej.

Bridge. What's up, Marek?

You gotta straighten it up,

'cause they can't do anything here with this list.

Okay, roger that.

We'll turn right, waves at our stern. I'll switch the anti-heeling tanks.

It'll be good in a sec. Call me when secure.

Course zero-thirty.

Zero-thirty.

There you go, zero-thirty.

Zajdel?

Zajdel, this is Bridge. We're filling the port. Open it.

Roger that. Over and out!

Hi, guys.

-Yeah. -How's it going?

A bit of rocking, but just a little.

Course zero-thirty. Wind south-west, force eight.

I straightened up with the anti-heeling tanks,

since we were listing right.

Valves are closed.

Marek and the guys have added more chains, hopefully.

We're slightly to the right of our set course.

A strong leeway drift is the cause.

And 13.5 knots is our speed.

Call if you need me.

All right. Course is clear?

Clear, there were no signals.

-Sleep well. -Good night.

Marek, Marek, how's it going? All secure?

Yeah, all secure. Thanks.

Are the trucks moving a lot?

Like Jehovah's Witnesses around the block!

Fucking terrible storm.

BALTIC SEA 30 MINUTES BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL

We keep… drifting.

We'll luff a bit more. Course 335.

-335. -Yeah.

-Aye, 335. -Thank you.

Jan Heweliusz!

What was that?

I don't know.

Jan Heweliusz!

This is Kempen!

What is it?

Jan Heweliusz, this is Kempen! This is Kempen!

We are on your starboard!

You are on a collision course!

Oh fuck!

We are on your starboard!

Why are we slowing down? What's happening?

-We're heading for a collision. -What do you mean, a collision?

-How? -I don't know. It's a German trawler.

Didn't you see it earlier? What the fuck have you done?

-I slowed down because… -'Cause what?!

-You slowed down in a storm, did you? -Yeah.

It's not gonna do anything. We're gonna ram it.

Taking over. We gotta speed up.

-Hard to port. -Hard to port.

Hey, what's going on?

Aye, hard to port!

Okay, Helm to wing.

Helm to wing. Aye, helm to wing.

Call the engine. Have them open the thrusters.

Bridge Two, get the thrusters open!

Engine, opening thrusters!

Thrusters open.

What's going on?!

Why the fuck are we listing?

There's water in the port anti-heeling tank.

Why didn't you report that?

Move it to the starboard!

Zajdel, we're filling the starboard. Open it!

Fuck. Move you fucker!

Move!

Why isn't the list decreasing?

Zajdel, what's with the anti-heeling tanks?

-What's going on down there? -I don't know!

So go check then!

The list is increasing.

How many degrees?

Twenty and rising.

Attention, all crew and passengers. Attention, all crew and passengers.

This is the captain speaking!

The ferry must be evacuated.

I repeat, the ferry must be evacuated.

With waves like that and water spray everywhere,

radars can fail.

They do not detect all objects.

Especially, if the ship is small.

Such as the German vessel

that appeared out of nowhere,

dangerously close to the ferry.

The course of the delayed Heweliusz

led to a collision course with this ship.

The German ship had the right of way, hence the about to let it pass.

The catastrophe was a result of these external factors,

the ship's construction standards,

the lack of information

about the current weather conditions on the Baltic Sea,

and bad luck…

but not the incompetence of the captain.

The captain's behaviour was exemplary.

He gave the right of way.

Could you please tell us…

about the evidence

to support your theory?

Of that I have none.

It was destroyed in the car of Piotr Binter.

Do any of you gentlemen have any further questions?

That will be all then, Counsel.

After reviewing the materials and evidence,

as well as the testimonies of witnesses and interested parties,

the adjudicating panel of the Maritime Chamber

in Stargard Szczeciński

has reached a decision.

The tragically deceased captain of Jan Heweliusz, Andrzej Ułasiewicz,

has been found to have sole responsibility for the catastrophe.

Please be seated.

The captain neglected his duties.

He had demonstrated a lack of responsibility

through various risky decisions throughout a storm.

His crew also failed to observe

standard occupational health and safety protocols.

-That's a blatant lie! -Quiet, please.

Jan Heweliusz was not without its defects,

for which the shipowner is also responsible.

Furthermore, the weather that night was indeed rough.

Nevertheless,

the oversights of many of the crew members on board,

along with the captain and his… incomprehensible decision

to make a sudden about

were irrefutably the determining factors in this tragedy.

Fuck!

Bridge! Bridge, come in!

Bridge, standing by.

Man overboard on the port side!

-Man overboard! -Copy that!

Throw the lifebuoy! Throw the lifebuoy!

There's a verdict?

Mm-hmm.

Why don't we go away together?

I thought about skiing.

I've decided to study navigation.

You've a lot to consider.

I'm sure you'll make the right choice.

Good afternoon

Good afternoon.

THE HEWELIUSZ TRAGEDY LED TO THE REINFORCING OF THE PRINCIPLE

THAT, ULTIMATELY, IT IS THE SHIP'S CAPTAIN WHO HAS THE FINAL SAY ABOUT DEPARTURE.

IN 2005, THE SAILORS' WIDOWS WON A CASE AGAINST POLAND.

THE EUROPEAN COURT OF HUMAN RIGHTS FOUND THAT THREE MARITIME CHAMBERS

HAD NOT DEALT WITH THE SINKING OF HEWELIUSZ IN AN IMPARTIAL MANNER.

THE CAPTAIN'S WIDOW, JOLANTA UŁASIEWICZ,

REFUSED TO PARTICIPATE IN THAT TRIAL.

TO THIS DAY, THE HEWELIUSZ DISASTER REMAINS UNEXPLAINED AND CONTROVERSIAL.

IN 2025, A 56TH VICTIM WAS ADDED TO THE OFFICIAL OBITUARY,

THE 17-YEAR-OLD DAUGHTER OF AN AUSTRIAN TRUCK DRIVER.

THE VICTIMS OF THE JAN HEWELIUSZ FERRY DISASTER