Ep 4. Doomed From the Start

When Big Things Go Wrong is a documentary series featuring real-life catastrophes that occurred in big engineering projects and transportation systems. In each episode, experts and eyewitnesses provide an in-depth analysis and reconstruction of the events leading up to the disaster, as well as its impact on the community and industry.

In episode 4 of season 1, titled "Doomed From the Start," the focus is on the sinking of the MS Herald of Free Enterprise ferry in 1987. On March 6th, the British roll-on roll-off passenger ferry was set to depart from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge to the English port of Dover, with over 500 passengers and crew on board. However, within minutes of setting off, disaster struck.

The episode starts with a detailed account of the ferry's design and construction, highlighting some of the key features that made it unique but also contributed to its downfall. One of these features was the bow visor, a large and heavy metal ramp that could be lowered from the front of the ferry to allow vehicles to drive on and off. While the visor made loading and unloading more efficient, it also made the ferry more vulnerable to water intake in case of a breach.

As the MS Herald of Free Enterprise navigated the shallow waters of Zeebrugge harbor, the visor was left open by mistake. When the vehicle deck started to flood, the water quickly rushed towards the open bow, causing the ferry to capsize and sink in less than ten minutes. Many passengers were trapped inside the vessel and drowned, while others were rescued in dramatic and chaotic scenes.

Throughout the episode, experts analyze the various failures and human errors that contributed to the disaster. These include not only the technical issues with the ferry's design, but also the lack of safety culture within the company and among the crew. For instance, the ferry's captain and crew failed to notice the visor was open, even though it was clearly visible from the bridge.

The documentary also features interviews with survivors and relatives of the victims, who share their memories and emotions from that fateful day. They recall the confusion, panic, and grief that followed the sinking, as well as the anger and frustration towards the ferry company and its management. Some of the interviewees also reflect on the changes in safety regulations and practices that have been implemented since the disaster, and how they have improved the safety of ferry travel.

Overall, "Doomed From the Start" offers a sobering look at the consequences of engineering failures and human complacency. It shows how even the most seemingly stable and reliable transportation systems can be vulnerable to mistakes and oversights, and how crucial it is to prioritize safety and prevention in such industries. The episode is a must-watch for anyone interested in the interplay between technology, society, and disaster management.