Exxon Valdez: Human Error, Plain and Simple

Abstract

Much has been made of the Exxon Valdez going aground on Bligh Reef in Prince William Sound in 1989 — and rightfully so. The effects of the disaster continue to this day. Why the Exxon Valdez went aground is straightforward, although not widely well understood. As can be expected, various interests seized upon the catastrophe to support their causes or improve their lots. Whereas it is now clear that the ship went aground purely as a consequence of human errors — there were no mechanical or electrical failures — the event has been used to justify changes that, while desirable, would not have prevented the Exxon Valdez from going aground, or the subsequent oil spill. Those changes include, inter alia, a variety of improved navigational aids, expanded Coast Guard monitoring capabilities, increased requirements for harbor pilots and required crew rest. In looking back, one might be led to believe that the ship went aground in a sea of red herrings. This article reviews what really happened on that night and incontrovertible evidence that supports human errors — onboard the Exxon Valdez and thousands of miles away at the Exxon Shipping Company — in a failed safety culture as solely responsible for the disaster.