Common questions

How many people died in Zeebrugge ferry?

How many people died in Zeebrugge ferry?

193 passengers
What happened in the Zeebrugge ferry disaster? The Herald of Free Enterprise capsized on March 6, 1987, resulting in the deaths of 193 passengers and crew.

Why did the Zeebrugge case collapse?

Investigation and inquiry It found the capsizing was caused by three main factors—Stanley’s failure to close the bow doors, Sabel’s failure to make sure the bow doors were closed, and Lewry leaving port without knowing whether the bow doors were closed.

What happened to the wreck of the Herald of Free Enterprise?

On 6 March 1987 the cross-channel roll-on/roll-off ferry Herald of Free Enterprise sank, with the loss of 186 passengers and crew, soon after leaving Zeebrugge in Belgium, en route for Dover.

What happened to David Lewry?

David Lewry suspended for one year and First Officer Leslie Sabel barred for two years. Under the terms of the inquiry’s conclusions, Captain Lewry will get his master’s certificate back in one year, while the judge ruled that the first officer would have to undergo a medical examination before before being reinstated.

Did anyone survive Herald Free Enterprise?

Almost seven hours after the Herald capsized, the last three survivors – Brian Gibbons, Jock Calderwood and Roger Broomfield, truck drivers who had been trapped in one of the cabins on H Deck – were located and winched up to safety.

When did the Zeebrugge go down?

The Zeebrugge ferry disaster occurred on the night of the 6 March 1987 just after it left the Belgian port. The MS Herald of Free Enterprise was making the return journey to Dover from the continent.

Who bought Townsend Thoresen?

In 1987, following the wrecking of the ship ‘Herald of Free Enterprise’, Townsend Thoresen was acquired by P&O.

Who owned Townsend Thoresen?

P&O European Ferries was formed after the Townsend Thoresen ship, Herald of Free Enterprise, capsized outside Zeebrugge in 1987. P&O owned the whole of European Group who marketed their ferry services as Townsend Thoresen.

How many people died in the Herald of Free Enterprise?

MS Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry which capsized moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on the night of 6 March 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew, of the 539 people aboard.

Did the captain of the Herald of Free Enterprise survive?

Mr Stanley, who died last year, had fallen asleep in his cabin, only to wake when he was flung from his bunk as the ship listed. He always admitted his part in the tragedy and expressed great remorse. The official inquiry found he had acted with courage helping people when disaster struck.

How many crew died on the Herald of Free Enterprise?

MS Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on roll-off (RORO) ferry which capsized moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on the night of 6 March 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew, of the 539 people aboard.

Where did the Zeebrugge ferry sink?

A British ferry leaving Zeebrugge, Belgium, capsizes, drowning 188 people, on March 6, 1987.

What happened to the Zeebrugge ferry disaster?

Zeebrugge ferry disaster, 30 years on: Deadly failings behind one of UK’s worst peacetime maritime tragedies Thirty years ago this Monday, shortly after setting out to Dover from the Belgian port of Zeebrugge, the ferry Herald of Free Enterprise capsized with the loss of 193 lives – Britain’s worst peacetime maritime disaster since 1919.

What was the name of the ferry that sank in 1987?

MS Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on/roll-off (RORO) ferry which capsized moments after leaving the Belgian port of Zeebrugge on the night of 6 March 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew.

What are the names of the Townsend Ferries ships?

The ships were branded the Spirit -class, and were named: Spirit of Free Enterprise, Herald of Free Enterprise, and Pride of Free Enterprise. The name “Free Enterprise” dates from Townsend Car Ferries’ pioneering private sector roll-on/roll-off ferries, introduced in 1962.

Where does the ferry go from Dover to Calais?

It usually carried passengers and vehicles from Dover, England, to Calais, France, and back. However, in March 1987, the ferry was transferred into service on the company’s Zeebrugge, Belgium, to Dover route.