As of today, 5 people have been identified as fatalities, 29 missing among the 4,000 passengers and crew.
1. No training at muster station for passengers, to provide training on proper use of life boats and full awareness of life boats’ locations. From a project management perspective, training is sorely needed during the implementation process for users and stakeholders.
2. Disinformation by the captain, saying it was only an “electrical problem.” When in fact power had gone out due to engine room taking water. There is no room for disinformation at any time line during a project or program.
3. Lack of training and help by the crew—based on survivors account. See #1.
4. Not following protocol regarding safety and charted route—by captain. It is very clear that all processes and procedures, including protocols be pre identified during the project. Corollary to the latter, all stakeholders are expected not to deviate and not follow protocols.
5. Very late command to abandon ship—by captain. From a project management perspective, any issue that has potential of being a bigger problem or issue, it is incumbent upon the project manager or program manager to sound the alarm.
6. Human pride (for lack of a better definition), to “show off” cruise ship to local island residents—precipitating the accident and caused by the captain. From a project management perspective, it is clear all stakeholders follow pre define protocols.
7. Lack of care at the island for survivors—no cruise ship company’s response to care for survivors at the island. A risk management and risk/emergency response plan would be appropriate in this case.
8. Lack of leadership by the crew, no help from the crew, assessment by the survivor contrary to Carnival’s statement. This is a huge PR damage that Carnival will need to address.
This is a very unfortunate event that did not need to happen, or a very preventable accident. I do not envy the captain’s position right now. My prayer is that Carnival will completely review all failure points, and address them completely. Hopefully, sooner than later.
Alta Project Management 