As 30 year retired MM Captain this accounting by Capt. Klaus Luhta is dead on. The idea that tugs would have helped is wrong once the vessel leaves birth it has to be underway makingway on it's own in order to maneuver. In my opinion after watching the video several times and speaking to other retired Masters, the cloud of heavy black smoke was the last ditch effort to move the vessel to the full astern (reverse) attitude. To address a couple other comments, the vessel would have been under the command of the harbor pilot with the master at his side at the helm. Harbor pilots are very experienced in their profession and very well compensated. As for stopping it, it doesn't have Brembo brakes so it wont stop on a dime. A ship of that size, at speed will take up to a mile to come to rest.
Terrible for all involved and horrible loss of life.
https://www.foxbusiness.com/industri...chanical-error
Capt Van