Netflix’s Heweliusz explores the catastrophic sinking of the MS Jan Heweliusz in 1993, one of Poland’s deadliest maritime accidents. Out of 64 people on board, only nine survived. The series delves into the events leading to the disaster, questioning who was responsible and whether justice was served for the victims and their families. Through a gripping five-part narrative, the show examines the intersection of human error, systemic negligence, and bureaucratic failures.
Delayed Departure, Overloaded Cargo, and Storm Decisions Led to Heweliusz Ferry Disaster
The ferry’s delayed departure played a critical role in the tragedy. Despite storm warnings, shipowner Wieslaw Kisorek insisted on loading urgent cargo, causing a three-hour delay and exceeding the ship’s weight limit by 30 tonnes. This crucial detail was omitted from official records to protect the shipowners and shift blame to Captain Andrzej Ułasiewicz. Lay-judge Captain Piotr Binter later uncovers the hidden documentation, but attempts to hold the responsible parties accountable are obstructed.
Heweliusz (Telemark)The series highlights the critical decisions made during the storm. With the captain asleep, Officer Witek temporarily commanded the vessel and halted the ferry upon noticing another ship, Kempen, nearby. Ułasiewicz quickly resumed control, but the overloaded cargo and sharp maneuvering caused the ferry to capsize. The collision course with Kempen, combined with failed radar detection and adverse weather, made the disaster unavoidable.
Flawed Justice, Destroyed Evidence, and Lingering Guilt Mark Heweliusz’s Tragic Conclusion
Despite evidence of poor maintenance, excessive cargo, and structural faults, the Maritime Chamber blamed Captain Ułasiewicz posthumously for the sinking. Crucial evidence could not be proven as some documents were reportedly destroyed in a suspicious car accident that killed Piotr Binter, leaving lingering questions about potential foul play and systemic negligence. The series portrays a flawed justice system and the struggles of those seeking accountability.
The series concludes with Officer Witek jumping from a vessel, leaving his fate uncertain. His impulsive decision to stop the ferry contributed to the disaster, and his guilt weighs heavily throughout the trial. Heweliusz ends on a somber note, emphasizing human error, institutional failures, and the enduring trauma of one of Poland’s most infamous maritime tragedies.
