re: Why are ship captains still expected to go down with ship

Maybe witch hunt was a poor choice of words. Scape goat might fit better. I'm sure if a 3rd mate was driving its frowned upon. But I bet the guy has driven parts if trips several times. So I have little doubt they will find anything they can against the captain.
I also have no doubt there were issues with the boat and it's regulation. Some things will be found to be overlooked/ignored.
That big boy had something wrong with it to roll like that.....a design flaw, overloaded, etc.