How does the time period affect the rescue of those who survived the explosion? How might this story be different today?

How does the time period (1838) affect the rescue of those who survived the explosion? How might this story be different today?

No question there would have been people out looking sooner, and people would have been rescued. Given all the debris I imagine a plane would have spotted the survivors within a day, and the fact that the boat didn't show up when expected, with no communication, would have triggered some sort of action.

The rescue was true to the time - no one on shore could have known what was happening on the seas. What was surprising was that anyone was rescued, and that people on land did finally find out what happened.

I agree, the rescue problems are true to the time. Now, there would be so many more resources to find out about the disaster more quickly and to rescue more people.

The shipwreck of the Pulaski would be an entirely different situation today. First of all, on impact half the passengers would be on their cell phones. The ship's officers would have instant radio contact with emergency services. The length of time to rescue the passengers would be considerably less today than it was in 1838.

Agree with other commenters that things would be completely different today due to advances in communication, rescue operations, and medical treatment. Many more people would likely have survived the tragedy.

Agree with all the comments above - Today with better communications, technology, and preparation of first responders, news of the emergency would have been almost immediate, rescue would have been quicker, and there would have been fewer deaths.

Additionally, because of learnings from incidents like the Titanic one would assume that the emergency procedures onboard today would have been more fine-tuned and that there would have been emergency equipment (lifeboats, flotations vests, etc) required and available for every passenger.

It's hard to imagine today that a tragedy would happen and no one would know about it for weeks. But the rescue described in the book was very true to the times. It was a tragedy that maybe had to occur in order to bring about maritime improvements.

Agree!

Thank Goodness for technology! This question brings its benefits to light. Communication and Transportation tools, from cell phones to radar and the like, are not only available today, but effective and some mandatory. There are also more effective regulations such as inspections and monitoring of ship conditions, again all enhanced by the advancement of technology.

Not only was communication extremely difficult but they were “different times” as some would say and the resources and response just does not compare to what we are capable of today.

I agree with previous posters, it's hard to imagine what it would be like in those days with no means of communication. Technology can be a really good thing in situations like this.

And we've hopefully learned from our mistakes and tragedies like this and today there would be plenty of lifeboats and life preservers, etc.