[SOS distress beeping]
[radio interference builds]
[panicked mayday call]
[flatline beeping]
[alarm beeping]
[Kaczkowski sighs]
WARSAW, 13 JANUARY 22 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL
[alarm stops]
[exhales deeply]
[takes a deep breath]
[man on radio] 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?
[pop rock playing on radio]
-Hmm? -She's still resting.
[both laugh gently]
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.
["Friday I'm in Love" by The Cure continues on radio]
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?
-[Alek] Scrambled. -Fried.
[laughs affectionately]
Fried it is, then.
-♪ Monday you can hold your head ♪ -[Mrs Kaczkowska sighs gently]
♪ Tuesday, Wednesday, stay in bed ♪
[boy] You just wait.
Yeah. We'll see, won't we?
She'll come.
Hurry up, will you?
-Coming. -[Jola] Aga!
Your sandwiches!
[car engine sputtering]
[horn beeping]
[dog barking]
[doors squeaking shut]
["It Must Have Been Love" by Roxette playing]
What's the date?
The thirteenth. Good it's not a Friday.
[both chuckling]
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.
[hammer thudding]
[lorry engine rumbling]
[indistinct chatter]
POLISH ARMED FORCES
-Morning. -[guard] Thank you.
[ominous music playing]
[brakes squeak and hiss]
[indistinct voices]
[courier] 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.
[man on radio] 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.
[wind whistling]
[Kubara] Mrs Kaczkowska, did your husband frequently sail to Sweden?
[keys clacking]
[sighs] 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.
-[Pyzel] Specifically when on Heweliusz? -No, not only then.
-But on Heweliusz? -[stenograph clicking]
He was. Yes.
What about Karkonosze?
[Kubara] 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…
[Kubara] 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.
[Pyzel] 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?
[people coughing]
[restless murmuring]
[keys clacking]
[no audible dialogue]
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.
[indignant murmuring]
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?
[Kubara] 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…
[Mrs Kaczkowska] 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!
-[man] She's right! -[Mrs Kaczkowska] 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.
[shakily] I realised that when I was being told
what kind of testimony to give today.
[hushed commotion]
Who… Who told you what to say?
[Mrs Kaczkowska, upset] And all I want…
All I want is to know my husband's emotions.
[sobs] 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?
[camera shutter clicks]
[Mrs Kaczkowska sobs]
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.
-[overlapping chatter] -[gavel banging]
Silence everyone, please!
Please! Please be quiet, ladies and gentlemen!
Order please, everyone!
The Chamber now calls the next interested party to the stand.
[ominous music playing]
[groaning softly]
-[sighs] -Excuse me, just one more question.
-Did your husband know what he was… -Piss off right now!
All right, kid!
[Alek] Everything okay?
[Pyzel] 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.
[Pyzel] 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?
[expert] 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.
-[Pyzel] 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.
[clears throat]
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.
-[Pyzel] Thank you. You're free to go. -Thank you.
We would now like to call, as a witness,
Major Artur Ferenc.
[bustling chatter]
[camera shutters clicking]
Quiet now. That's enough, please.
[Pyzel] 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.
[Ferenc] 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.
[Pyzel] 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.
[Pyzel] Apologies, Major. Please go on.
[Ferenc] 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…
[widow] 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?
[surprised murmurings]
Please, that's enough.
Please, ladies and gentlemen. Quieten down. Order!
[chattering continues]
[papers rustling]
[footsteps approaching]
[exhales]
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.
[frustrated sigh]
Tell me, Piotr…
Why are you hijacking what we're doing?
[ironic laugh]
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.
[clicks tongue]
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!
[exasperated sigh]
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?"
[eerie music builds]
[waves breaking]
[seagulls cawing]
[Karol] You've come for advice?
[Piotr sighs]
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.
[wind blowing persistently]
Shall we go in?
No, no, no, no.
The sea's beautiful today.
Got anything for me, then?
[chuckles discreetly]
[grunts]
Is Mum on the lookout?
[screw cap rattling]
[chuckles softly]
[chuckling] Leaving are you?
[inhales] 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.
[mother sighing]
I don't want you to end up the same way.
-Mum… -Mm?
[soft chuckle]
[Jola] I think it's going to take a bit longer.
[Aga] 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.
[handset clunking]
[doorbell rings]
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.
[footsteps receding rapidly]
[door closes]
[inhales sharply]
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?
[clicks tongue]
But ferries usually sail overloaded
and yet they manage to get back to port.
[inhales deeply]
Heweliusz capsized because of that about.
In conditions like that, it shouldn't be done.
[Witek gasping]
[sighs]
[door opening]
Mm?
Do you want us to come with you?
No. I'll manage, it's all right.
-[baby giggles] -[adults laugh]
-You sure? Because if you need us… -I'm sure.
[baby gurgles]
Let all of this just finally be over.
And I'll go back to earning decent money at sea.
Are you joking?
[keys jingling]
-[Witek sighs] -[baby sobs]
-[Witek exhales] -[door opens, closes]
[engine rumbling]
Thank you, Mr Janicki.
Er, no further questions.
[Janicki] Thank you.
Are there any questions from anyone else for Mr Janicki?
-Yes, please. -Go ahead then, Counsel.
Mr Janicki, erm…
[sighs]
…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.
[scoffs] 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.
[Janicki] Uh…
Yes?
Uh, I'm here to testify. Witold Skirmuntt.
Uh-huh.
Have a seat. They're still grilling Janicki.
[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…
[scoffs] I have to repeat this, nobody in that harbour master's office
can understand German at all.
[Janicki] It should've been in English!
[Budzisz] 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! -[mock gasp]
-[people laugh] -Well this one did!
That's enough, thank you. No further questions.
[Pyzel] Thank you, Counsel.
[Kubara] 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!
-[bustling commotion] -The Chamber will adjourn for ten minutes.
Then we'll call on the next witness.
Thank you.
[inhales] 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? -[Piotr] I introduced them.
[Kowalik sighs]
Now we know. That's better.
Fucking hallelujah.
The captain's wife was my responsibility.
-[Kowalik sighs deeply] -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.
[Kowalik huffs]
And later you and I will speak.
[Pyzel] 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.
-[Kubara] And where was the captain? -Sleeping.
[shocked murmuring]
[Pyzel] 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?
[sighs] No.
That was the decision of Officer Skrzypczyński on the first watch.
Because the wind…
[sighs]
…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…
[sighs]
…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.
-[Kubara] So where were you? -Sorry?
I said, where were you?
Er… [clears throat]
I was in the engine room.
The captain told me to check the ballast valves.
[judge] Mr Skirmuntt,
do you like to drink?
[people protesting]
-[Lulu] This is ridiculous! -[Pyzel] 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.
[camera shutters clicking]
Yes, I did have one with me.
It was given to me by the ambassador. It…
And so… did you drink it with him?
-[man laughing] 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?
[Witek] I was promoted.
[Kubara] 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.
[Piotr] 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!
[Kubara] 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?! -[Pyzel] Mr Celej!
Mr Celej, sit down!
-Order, please! -[gavel pounding]
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! -[Budzisz] Why was it the only option?
[exhales]
I don't know, because I wasn't on the bridge then.
-[Kubara] Mr Skirmuntt? -[weakly] Yes?
If you weren't on the bridge then, how can you know that this about
came from the captain?
[ragged breathing]
[breathing intensifies]
[camera shutters clicking loudly]
[thunder rolling]
[rain pouring]
Officer!
Please, would you wait?
[panting]
-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?
[sighing heavily]
Mr Skirmuntt?
[sniffing]
[ominous music playing]
You'll find the answer on the Ostsee Radio tapes.
The German radio communication station.
[sniffing]
[music intensifies]
[lighter snaps shut]
[water gurgling]
[clicking]
[ominous music continues]
[bed creaking]
[alarm beeping]
[Piotr groans]
[winces]
[papers rustling]
[cat food rattling]
BIRTH CERTIFICATE
INSURANCE POLICY WITOLD SKIRMUNTT
[ragged sigh]
-[Sonia mews] -[Piotr] Come here, kitty.
There you go. Eat up.
Wish me luck.
[Sonia purring]
[engine starting]
POLISH-GERMAN BORDER
-[horns beeping] -[engines idling]
[indistinct chatter]
[man 1 on radio] Ostsee Radio, Ostsee Radio, Kempen.
We're at the site of the disaster.
[man 2] Please repeat that, you're breaking up!
[man 1] 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.
[tape whirring]
[man 1] 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… -[man 2] Give us your coordinates!
[tape whirring]
[interference chirping]
[man 1] 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… -[man 2] Give us your coordinates!
[Jens] I'd say we're about 16 miles east of Kolliker.
[man 1] Sixteen miles east of Kolliker.
[whoosh, accelerated voices rewinding]
[clicking]
[man 2] Kempen. Come in, Kempen!
[man 1] This is Kempen, this is Kempen. The conditions are too rough.
We're too small. We're leaving.
-[radio interference] -[man 2] Kempen, Kempen!
Do I understand correctly that you're leaving?
-[man 1] Yes. -[man 2] 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.
[footsteps retreating]
[phone ringing]
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…
[border guard] Excuse me.
You can cross now.
I have to go. Uh… I'll see you tomorrow.
Did you forget something?
[in disbelief] Thank you. Fuck.
-Was that Binter? -[Budzisz] Yes.
What did he want?
He's uncovered something.
[horn beeping]
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.
[indistinct chatter]
[reporter] Let's just shoot the whole thing, all right?
We'll edit it later. Okay?
Okay?
[quietly] It's amazing that it works without a cable.
[people coughing, murmuring]
[camera shutters clicking]
[silence falls]
[hushed] 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.
[hushed murmurings]
[ominous music builds]
For this reason, I adjourn today's hearing until tomorrow.
[music intensifies]
[tyres squealing]
[metallic crashing]
[sombre instrumental music playing]
[fire crackling]
[explosion booming]
[sinister music playing]
-[door closes] -[music fades]
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?
[clicks tongue]
-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.
[birds squawking]
[eerie instrumental music playing]
[Ułasiewicz] 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. [chuckles softly]
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.
[sighs loudly]
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?
-[man] 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.
[pneumatic drilling]
[indistinct chatter]
[men shouting]
[hammering]
[Kosiorek] Andrzej's our man, I guarantee. I swear by him, you understand?
-[Ferenc] 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? -[Ferenc] 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.
[chairman] I told you everything would be okay. Andrzej's your man.
[indistinct chatter]
[chain rattling]
[man] And it was just a little something for the kids, you know?
-The wife and I really enjoyed it too! -[soldering iron fizzing]
[Ułasiewicz] Come on.
[Ania] Thank you very much.
-Ah! -What an official reception.
-[chuckling] -We rarely host such VIPs on the ferry.
-Oh, and Marta of course. -Hello.
Your cabins are ready.
-The purser will take you there. -[boy] 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. -[Marta] Will you go with Ms Ola?
-Shall we go? -[boy] Okay.
Follow me.
[soldering iron sputtering]
[Marek] How's it going? You done?
[Lulu] 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!
[Witek] 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…
-[laughing] Hi, Waldek. -Hey.
-[man] New Dad alert. Big changes, huh? -[Witek] 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?
[door shutting]
-Something for the embassy. -Oh, right.
-[man] You're probably not sleeping much. -Now she's teething.
-Ah. -So more crying 'cause of that.
-[lorry engine rumbling] -[man] Go parallel with Leszek.
Back up! Back up!
[Zajdel] Go! Go straight on!
[pigs squealing]
[indistinct chatter]
[ominous instrumental music playing]
[man] 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.
-[men shouting] -[Zajdel] Hold on, hold on. Chief!
Chief! Come over here!
[radio chirrups]
-[man] That's it. -Stop!
Stop, stop, stop, stop, stop!
-[engine clunking] -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!
[radio chirrups]
Hey, park this at the stern right in the middle.
-[Zajdel] Say again, where shall I put it? -At the stern.
Okay, will do.
Brace yourselves, ladies. It's going to be a rocky one.
[Ania groans]
Unfortunately, I know. When are we departing?
-[Marta] Thank you. -Um… not long now, hopefully.
[Marta] What time is it?
[knocking]
Captain, may I have a word with you?
[crockery tinkling]
-Excuse me. -[Marta] Yes, of course.
-Yeah? -[Marta] 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.
[clicks tongue] They'll have to wait for the next one.
-So loading's over? -It's done.
-[radio interference buzzing] -That's loading over.
I repeat, the loading's over.
[Zajdel] All loading is over!
[man] 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.
[Ułasiewicz] Higher powers. What can you do?
We'll sail on four engines, gain some time back.
[Waldek] Hmm, I'm not sure…
Captain, the Germans on the radio said something about a hurricane.
Somewhere near Arkona.
Hurricane?
[faint beeping]
Harbour master's office, Harbour Master, this is Heweliusz.
[Mirek] 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.
-[clicking] -[man] I went once with my wife.
And, er… now they all went to live in Strzelin.
-Uh-huh. -No, hold on.
Good. Um…
[engines powering up]
Okay, so the food we had there was really great.
So I thought we should, er, you know…
[piston hissing]
[heavy machinery rumbling]
[Ułasiewicz] Raise the ramp. Cast off all lines.
-[radio chirrups] -Raise the ramp. Cast off all lines.
[wind whistling]
[motor ticking]
[tense music playing]
-[Zajdel] Ramp is raised. -[radio chirrups]
Clear at the stern.
[helmsman] Bow clear.
Let's depart.
[lever ticking]
Ready to close.
Commence the closing of the gates.
[engine chugging]
The bullshit thirteenth.
[metallic straining sound]
[water gurgling]
[seagulls cawing]
[waves lapping]
-[Zajdel] Gate closed and locked. -[radio chirrups]
Take the helm. Steer zero fifty-five.
[helmsman] Helm taken. Zero fifty-five.
Aye, Captain. Zero fifty-five.
[rain pattering]
[menacing music playing]
ŚWINOUJŚCIE PORT ENTRANCE HEADS 4.5 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL
[indistinct chatter]
-[cook] 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. -[handset clunking]
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. -[man] Night.
[grunts]
[ship creaking]
[Budzisz] Accidents such as the sinking of Jan Heweliusz
never have just one single cause.
[faint typing sound]
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.
[storm raging]
14 JANUARY 3 HOURS BEFORE THE MAYDAY CALL
-[loud clunking] -[pigs squealing]
-Why the fuck is it listing so much? -'Cause it's fucking windy.
[chain rattling]
-[lever ratcheting] -[Lulu] Chief!
If they don't straighten it up, there's nothing we can do about it!
[radio bleeps]
Bridge, Bridge, this is Celej.
-[radio bleeps] -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.
[helmsman] Zero-thirty.
There you go, zero-thirty.
Zajdel?
Zajdel, this is Bridge. We're filling the port. Open it.
Roger that. Over and out!
[bell ringing shrilly]
-[metallic squeaking] -[Zajdel grunting]
[water flowing]
-[wind gushing] -[waves crashing]
-[ship creaking]
-[door opening] -[Witek] Hi, guys.
[Waldek sighing]
-[Waldek] 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?
[Witek] Clear, there were no signals.
-Sleep well. -Good night.
[faint beeping]
Marek, Marek, how's it going? All secure?
-[radio crackles] -[Marek] Yeah, all secure. Thanks.
Are the trucks moving a lot?
Like Jehovah's Witnesses around the block!
[Marek laughing]
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.
[radar buzzing]
[buzzing intensifies]
[buzzing stops]
[radio interference]
[man on radio] Jan Heweliusz!
What was that?
I don't know.
Jan Heweliusz!
This is Kempen!
[ominous music playing]
[Witek panting]
[thunder clapping]
What is it?
[man on radio] 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!
-[metallic tinkling] -[Ułasiewicz grunts]
[sniffing]
[ship creaking]
[door creaking]
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.
[beeping]
-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.
[dial ticking]
Bridge Two, get the thrusters open!
[man] Engine, opening thrusters!
[switches clicking]
[engine powering up]
Thrusters open.
[lever clicking slowly]
-[thrusters whirring] -[water gurgling]
-[wind gushing] -[waves crashing]
[ominous music playing]
[crashing]
[Waldek] 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!
[Witek] Zajdel, we're filling the starboard. Open it!
[straining]
[waves booming]
[panting]
Fuck. Move you fucker!
Move!
[grunting]
Why isn't the list decreasing?
Zajdel, what's with the anti-heeling tanks?
[ship creaking]
-What's going on down there? -I don't know!
So go check then!
The list is increasing.
How many degrees?
Twenty and rising.
[buzzer sounding]
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.
[Budzisz] 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.
[ominous music playing]
[Pyzel] 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.
[hushed murmuring]
[camera shutter clicking]
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! -[Pyzel] 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.
[pensive instrumental music playing]
[pensive music continues]
[faint rippling]
[wind whistling]
Fuck!
-[radio crackling] -Bridge! Bridge, come in!
Bridge, standing by.
Man overboard on the port side!
-Man overboard! -[officer] Copy that!
[man] Throw the lifebuoy! Throw the lifebuoy!
[indistinct chatter]
There's a verdict?
Mm-hmm.
[Aga sniffing]
Why don't we go away together?
I thought about skiing.
[Aga sighs]
I've decided to study navigation.
[dogs barking]
You've a lot to consider.
I'm sure you'll make the right choice.
[birds cawing]
Good afternoon
Good afternoon.
[curious instrumental music playing]
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
[music fades]
[sinister music playing]
[music fades out]
[dark music playing]
[music fades out]