The situation

There has been a fatal leak of highly toxic bacteria on a remote island in the Pacific Ocean. Within 45 minutes, the bacteria will kill everyone on the island unless they are able to get off or go into the island’s nuclear shelter which was built for just such an occurrence. It will take at least 2 hours for the nearest rescue services to reach the island; therefore the people on the island must make use of the shelter in order to survive.

After the bacteria has spread (over the next 45 minutes), it will not be possible for any life form to go near the island for up to 5 years due to contamination. Fortunately, it is a localised leak and will not affect any other islands in the vicinity. There are 12 people on the island at the moment, including the scientist who caused the leak. However, the shelter has been designed only to sustain up to 6 people for a period of 5 years.

The people on the island have tried to decide for themselves who should go into the shelter but have been unable to do so. They have therefore asked you to make the decision for them. They have agreed to abide by the decision you make.

The people on the island, and the government agency responsible for the island, have exhausted every possible solution to contain the leak and get the people off the island without losing any lives. There is no other alternative solution available other than choosing 6 people to go into the shelter.