About this episode

This episode discusses the tragic ferry disaster involving the Herald of Free Enterprise and the consequences of human error.

The Herald of Free Enterprise is a new class of ferry that allows cars to drive directly into the ship. The doors must be closed before every departure, or the ship sails with a gaping hole at one end. One black night in 1987, on the freezing waters off Zebrugge, Belgium, a single crew member falls asleep at the worst possible time.  For the sources, see the show notes at timharford.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics covered

• ferry disasters
• maritime safety
• human error
• 1980s history
• transportation
• accidents

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