On this Date: Herald of Free Enterprise
On March 6 1987 the Herald of Free Enterprise capsized minutes after leaving the harbor in Zeebrugge, Belgium.
Herald of Free Enterprise was a double-ended ro-ro car and passenger ferry operating between Bruges-Zeebrougge, Belgium and Dover, England.
On 6 March 1987, it departed Bruges-Zeebrougge with a crew of 80, carrying 459 passengers, 81 cars, 3 buses, and 47 trucks. Due to a series of mistakes, the bow doors were not closed prior to leaving port. Upon leaving the harbor and while the ferry was proceeding at over 18 knots, water entered the vehicle deck in large quantities. The free-surface effect of the water impaired stability and led to the capsizing, which occurred in less than one minute. The sinking resulted in 193 deaths. Following the accident and investigation, various changes were made to IMO regulations regarding design and operation of ro-ro passenger vessels. The incident was also the impetus for establishment of the UK Marine Accident Investigation Branch (MAIB).
(Bryant's Maritime Newsletter)
