You’re right. When I posted that, all I remembered from the article was that it was too small. Forgot the part about why it was too small. Thanks.
I guess whomever picked this boat didn’t bother to pass it by anyone with actual sea knowledge. I seem to recall a government organization they could have checked with. I think it’s called the Navy.
They hired a 600 person ferry. Presumably ferries make the trip on a regular basis. There were strong winds from the north west, driving across the entire Mediterannean, and throwing up 16 to 18 foot waves. I don’t know how uncommon those sea conditions are in that area.