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Closure of the Prince of Wales pier will not stop tributes to those who died in Herald of Free Enterprise disaster

The closure of Dover’s Prince of Wales pier will not break the March tradition of throwing wreaths into the sea to mark the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster.

Its location, with the lighthouse at the end of it and the view of the Eastern Docks, is especially poignant as it represents the last view some of the crew saw of Dover before they died at sea.

A Port of Dover spokesman confirmed to the Mercury that relatives will be escorted to the end of the pier, meaning there will be no change to their arrangements.

Some people will go to the Prince of Wales pier and throw wreaths and flowers into the sea to mark its anniversary.
Some people will go to the Prince of Wales pier and throw wreaths and flowers into the sea to mark its anniversary.

On March 6, 1987, the Townsend Thoresen ferry left berth 12 at Zeebrugge on its voyage for Dover at 6.05pm.

The vessel capsized just outside the harbour walls at 6.28pm, carrying 81 cars, 47 freight vehicles and 459 passengers.

A total of 193 passengers and crew died.

Since 1991, relatives have walked to the end of the pier on the anniversary to lay wreaths or throw flowers into the sea.

The Prince of Wales pier
The Prince of Wales pier

It was feared by a members of a Facebook group, called The Herald of Free Enterprise, that this tribute would be stopped in March when work to de-construct the pier was three months in.

Creator of the group, Rebecca Sawbridge, 59, of DeBurgh Street in Dover, said: “The loss of public access to a chosen position for us is the issue sadly, that is particularly significant to the seafarers among us and over the years have chosen that place to pay quiet respect in our traditional way.

"We welcome that the port has finally said they are assisting it."

'We welcome that the port has finally said they are assisting it.' - Rebecca Sawbridge

Ms Sawbridge was a merchant seaman on the vessel but transferred to the FE8 some months before it capsized.

She created the page as a point of reference for residents and those who seek information about the services each year.

Work has just started to equip Dover with a £120m Western Docks and marina, which also sparked closure of the pier on Monday.

People come to Dover each year for a memorial service at St Mary’s Parish Church in Cannon Street before throwing flowers into the Channel.

It takes place this year at 2pm.

Dover's Admirality Pier. Picture: Simon Burchett
Dover's Admirality Pier. Picture: Simon Burchett

According to the group, Dover Harbour Board initially brought up this issue in April last year, suggesting that the Admiralty Pier be the next best place in the future.

But the group said: “The Admiralty area will not give a view of the Eastern Docks or have the significance of the lighthouse.”

A port spokesman added: “We’ll definitely ensure the tributes can continue and we’re happy to discuss the revival works with the families at any time if they have any concerns.”

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