More detail about what was happening on the bridge of the Queen of the North right after it ran aground in 2006.
More from the trial of Karl Lilgert, who faces two counts of criminal negligence causing the deaths of two passengers presumed drowned.
Second Officer Kevin Hilton says he was on a lunch break when he heard a “very loud noise,” and ran toward the bridge.
He tells the jury he had left Lilgert there with Quartermaster Karen Bricker, who was also Lilgert’s ex-lover.
Hilton says he passed Bricker in the hallway, reached the bridge, and saw the ferry had come right up against an island. He adds he saw no one at either steering wheel, and no charts out for consultation and that Lilgert was standing alone to the side.
Court has already heard the ferry was on autopilot when it missed a critical turn.
Hilton says he later asked Lilgert what had happened on the bridge, and Lilgert said he didn’t know.
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