This book gives a detailed description and analysis of the events leading up to the explosion and fire at BP's Deepwater Horizon rig in the Gulf of Mexico on April 20, 2010. The authors provide a comprehensive, fair account of what happened and why, and what could be done to minimise the risk of future business and engineering disasters. They question the disaggregated business model for companies that undertake risky, complicated engineering projects in difficult and dangerous environments. They argue that a systems approach, with hands-on attention from top management, is crucial. And provide a clear description of the technicalities of the rig, how it was supposed to work, and how it failed.