[Tailback]

As a commercial passenger vessel, it has to have a USCG stability letter.

My guess is the crew tried to get to shore but instead of keeping the bow straight on to the swells they panicked and turned broadside.

[Steely Tom]

As a commercial passenger vessel, it has to have a USCG stability letter.

Maybe the ship's owner should have attached a plastic-coated copy of the USCG's stability letter to the bottom of the boat so the force of gravity could read it.

[Roccus]

Got a feelin’ the wind grabbed the overhead while broadside.
Not sure letter of stability would take that into account.
Been a while since I’ve watched a stability test but I believe it is for static (load) force, not dynamic (wind) force.

But ICBW...

[Tailback]

I'm going to compile the most logical guesses as to how this could happen. I work on a cable guided river ferry with a 100 ton masters license. That and $3.50 can get me a mocha at starbucks so take it for what it's worth.

My guess is the crew tried to get to shore but instead of keeping the bow straight on to the swells they panicked and turned broadside.

Got a feelin’ the wind grabbed the overhead while broadside. Not sure letter of stability would take that into account.

they probably turned broadside to the wind trying to turn around and head for cover.