The aim of this study is to critically evaluate the sinking of the MV Sewol and the CS Bulgaria to determine key latent failures, lessons learned, and risk accountability. This inductive study combines pragmatism with a cross-case synthesis method and computer-assisted content analysis using the Atlas.ti software package. This study critically evaluated the MV Sewol sinking at Jodo-myeon, South Korea on April 16, 2014, and the sinking of the CS Bulgaria at Tartarsan, Russia, July 10, 2011 using a cross-case synthesis method. Computer-assisted content analysis resulted in 21 codes which were clustered into four categories and one core theme, namely latent failures. These findings inform five recommendations for isomorphic learning, additional disaster-specific education, training provision and oversight, enhanced vessel monitoring and inspection, and legal clarification of risk accountability.