10 years after the El Faro disaster

First Coast Connect

A decade after the cargo ship El Faro sank in Category 4 Hurricane Joaquin on its scheduled route from Jacksonville to Puerto Rico, we talk to the families of two crew members about the enduring legacy of the maritime tragedy and what has changed since then. We also talk to a local historian about how the disaster is remembered in this port city, and the myriad failings of equipment and judgment that precipitated the catastrophic sinking, which killed all 33 men and women aboard on Oct. 1, 2015.

Guests:

• Rochelle Hamm, widow of El Faro helmsman Frank Hamm and founder of the Hamm Alert Foundation.
• Alan Bliss, CEO of the Jacksonville History Center.
• Glen Jackson, brother of El Faro able seaman Jack E. Jackson.

Then, an opportunity for everyone to learn more about breast health and breast cancers — for free. We talk to the founder of the annual Public Forum on Breast Health about 25 years of providing breast health education to medically underserved communities. The Oct. 2 event includes a wide ranging Q&A session featuring recognized experts in a broad array of relevant fields, from hematology and radiation oncology to psychiatry and plastic surgery. The free event includes dinner, but registration is required.

Guest:

• Dr. Shahla Masood, pathologist/cytopathologist at UF Health Jacksonville and medical director for the UF Health Breast Center.

And, we recap game four for the Jags as they met San Francisco on the 49er’s home turf. Our Monday morning sports whisperer breaks down what it means for the team and what fans need to watch for as the season continues.

Guest:

• Alessandra Pontbriand, sportscaster at WJXT News4Jax.