Shipwreck

How a Captain, Company, and Culture Sank the SS El Faro

By: Maeve McGoran

Narrated by: Maeve McGoran

2015 saw the worst American maritime disaster in decades. The captain of the SS El Faro commanded his crew to sail straight into a hurricane. The ship sank and all 33 crew members died.

The sinking raised troubling questions: Why did the captain choose to sail into the hurricane? Why did no one on board or on shore stop him? And why was such an old and heavily loaded ship even allowed on the water?

The crew of the SS El Faro is gone, but their haunting final hours were preserved by the ship’s black box. In Shipwreck, we hear immersive reenactments from their last voyage and new revelations from investigators, crew members’ families, and mariners who sailed on previous voyages of the El Faro. The narrative investigation reveals how corporate greed, government indifference, and a culture of obedience led to the shocking outcome.

The same forces that sank the El Faro are still at work today—not just in cargo shipping, but across the entire maritime industry, which carries millions of passengers every year.

What happened to the El Faro wasn't just a tragedy. It was a warning we can't afford to ignore.

Special thanks to the Fund for Investigative Journalism for helping fund this reporting.

©2025 Sugar23 Podcast Group, LLC (P)2025 Audible Originals, LLC

Riveting story

Really got immersed in the story. Actors portraying the last hour on the ship very engaging.

Disturbing and Necessary

Please listen to this story.
Please let it sink into the depths of your soul.
I can’t stop thinking of these lost souls and their families, as well as the corporate greed and “business as usual” philosophy that caused this disastrous tragedy.
Hold your loved ones dear.

Well rounded investigation into an American tragedy.

As a family who is impacted by the Maritime field., I believe this story was very well investigated and reported. It was respectful to the families .

Phenomenal

Incredible in-depth investigation into the loss of a ship and what lead up to the loss, including what appears to be corruption.

Shipwreck

This audio documentary carries it’s weight in entertainment, production, performance, and especially it’s research. Overall, a real wow factor, in it’s professionalism and depth. I really want to thank all involved in bringing this information to light in such a dynamic and entertaining way.