Incident: Drownings, Somalia

An overloaded boat carrying local workers contracted to unload a ship transporting food aid from CARE International capsized off the coast of southern Somalia with three people reported drowned and numerous injuries. Reports say the fishing boat, with a normal capacity of 30 to 50 people, had 120 souls on board in an effort to speed up unloading of the larger ship.

From a risk management standpoint, how far do your duties extend as a security officer (or program manager)? Who is ultimately responsible in a case like this? The boat's captain for overloading the boat, the contractor who was responsible for the ship unloading, or the NGO staff member who was overseeing aid transport and distribution? One can hope this incident is analyzed and appropriate policies and procedures are put in place to avoid similar occurrences in the future.