Cautionary Tales with Tim Harford
DANGER: Rocks Ahead! (Classic)
Jan 5, 2024
The tale of the Torrey Canyon unfolds, revealing how human error and pressure led a ship towards disaster. Delve into the importance of navigational manuals and the psychological pitfalls that cloud judgement. Discover 'plan-continuation bias' and its dangerous impact on decision-making, especially under stress. The missteps of Captain Ruggiati serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of reckless choices, affecting both people and the environment. These lessons resonate far beyond the sea.
34:19
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Quick takeaways
- The Torrey Canyon oil tanker disaster emphasizes the danger of adhering to a predetermined plan without considering changing circumstances.
- The story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the importance of flexibility, open-mindedness, and a willingness to make course corrections when facing potential disaster.
Deep dives
The Wreck of Torrey Canyon: A Course for Disaster
The podcast episode recounts the story of the Torrey Canyon oil tanker disaster. The main idea centers around the dangerous consequences of adhering to a plan without considering changing circumstances. Captain Pastrango Ruggiati, captain of the Torrey Canyon, refused to deviate from his predetermined course, even when it became clear that the ship was heading towards submerged rocks. The pressure to reach the intended destination in time, combined with a lack of critical thinking, led to the ship's destruction and an unprecedented environmental catastrophe.
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