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Anniversary of Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy

By: Sam Lennon slennon@thekmgroup.co.uk

Published: 13:11, 06 March 2023

Updated: 15:47, 06 March 2023

Commemorations have taken place to honour the 193 people who perished when a Dover ferry capsized.

Thirty-six years ago, on March 6, 1987, the Herald of Free Enterprise, a Townsend Thoresen ferry, capsized off Zeebrugge, Belgium.

The Herald of Free Enterprise's bow doors were left open, causing it to capsize

It led to one of the highest death tolls in British peace time maritime history.

A total 155 passengers were killed as well as 38 crew.

A commemorative display in their memory continues today at St Mary's Church in Cannon Street, Dover, until 4pm.

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Next to the church's stained glass window marking the disaster, people can write messages of condolence or share their own memories of that day.

There is also a list of the names of all 193 who perished.

Former Herald crew member Rebecca Sawbridge casts flowers from Marina pier

Yesterday, nearly 40 people attended a commemorative service at Clock Tower Square at the western end of Dover seafront.

It was officiated by Port Chaplain David Slater and all names of the dead were read out.

Others attending included Dover mayor Gordon Cowan.

Some of those taking part threw flowers from the end of Marina pier.

One was Dover town councillor Rebecca Sawbridge, a former crew member who had transferred to a sister ship a few month before the tragedy.

The Herald of Free Enterprise. Picture: Steve Salter TT Archive

She lost 20 friends in the sinking.

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She said: "Those of us who worked on the Herald were like family.

"I want to remember after all this time because if I had been a victim the others would be out here for me today."

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