National Media Turn To University of New Orleans Naval Architect In Wake Of Cruise Ship Disaster

Chris McKesson, a University of New Orleans adjunct professor of naval architecture and marine engineering, provided analysis to multiple news organizations, including CNN and USA Today, in the wake of the Costa Concordia disaster off the Italian coast. Last Friday, the massive cruise ship, carrying 4,200 passengers and crew, had its hull ripped open when it hit rocks and capsized. 11 people died and nearly two dozen more are missing.

On Saturday, McKesson was interviewed live on CNN by anchor Don Lemon. During the five-minute discussion, McKesson provided his perspective on the mechanics of the disaster and described similarities to the sinking of the Titanic.  On Sunday, McKesson was interviewed live on a separate CNN program by anchor Fredricka Whitfield.

In the USA Today article, McKesson said, in spite of the fatalities, the accident could have been much worse, and that the ship performed the way it was supposed to. McKesson also offered his expertise during a live appearance on WJR radio in Detroit, Mich., on Monday.

McKesson has 30 years of experience as a naval architect, ranging from managing a small design bureau to representing the United States as a technical expert to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).

UNO is one of only a few universities in the world to offer degrees in naval architecture and marine engineering. The School of Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering was established at UNO in 1980 to meet the demands of the local shipbuilding and offshore industry. UNO offers the Bachelor of Science in Naval Architecture and Marine Engineering, the Master of Science in Engineering and the PhD in Engineering and Applied Science.