What were the charges for the Zeebrugge ferry disaster?
What were the charges for the Zeebrugge ferry disaster? An inquest into the tragedy returned verdicts of unlawful killing and seven people at Townsend Thoresen were charged with gross negligence manslaughter, while the operating company, P&O European Ferries (Dover) Ltd was charged with corporate manslaughter. However, the case later collapsed.
How long did it take for the Herald of Free Enterprise to sink?
The Herald had 459 passengers, 80 crew members, 81 cars, 47 cargo trucks and three other vehicles. The weather was good. The Herald passed the outer breakwater at 1824 and, about four minutes later, capsized.
How many people drowned on the Herald of Free Enterprise?
The 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 March 6, 1987, killing 193 passengers and crew.
What happened to the bosun of the Herald of Free Enterprise?
Mark Stanley, the assistant bosun on the day of the tragedy, died in hospital on July 20, aged 58. He had not closed the bow doors when the ship set sail and he had been haunted by the tragedy, which was said to have severely affected his health, working life and family. Mr Stanley had fallen asleep in his cabin.
Why was Hull to Zeebrugge ferry Cancelled?
The Pride of Bruges and the Pride of York sailed nightly between Hull and Zeebrugge in Belgium until P&O Ferries ended the service in January due to a drop in demand. The ships, which can carry more than 1,000 passengers and 850 cars, are listed on a German shipbrokers website.
Who was to blame for Zeebrugge disaster?
A public court of inquiry into the disaster placed the blame on three of the ferry's staff: assistant boatswain Mark Stanley, who failed to close the bow doors after falling asleep in his cabin during a short break; first officer Leslie Sabel, who failed to ensure the bow doors were closed; and captain David Lewry for ...
Was anyone prosecuted for the Zeebrugge disaster?
The judge, Sir Michael Turner, told the jury that there was not enough evidence to convict the ship's owners, P & O European Ferries Ltd., or five of seven individuals who were being tried, including the ship's captain, David Lewry.
How many people were on the Zeebrugge ferry?
Capsizing. The ship left her berth in Zeebrugge inner harbour at 18:05 (GMT) with a crew of 80 and carrying 459 passengers, 81 cars, three buses and 47 trucks. She passed the outer mole at 18:24 (GMT) and capsized about four minutes later.
Can a ferry capsize?
As a RORO ferry rolls, vehicles can break free and slide down if not firmly secured, adversely altering the ship's centre of gravity, accelerating the roll, and possibly turning an otherwise recoverable roll into a capsize.
Who was the youngest survivor of Zeebrugge?
Carly Zutic, from Dumfries, Scotland passed away suddenly at her home after a long battle with drug addiction, the Daily Record reported. Carly was just nine weeks old when she survived the sinking of the Herald of Free Enterprise in March 1987.
Did the survivors of the Herald of Free Enterprise get compensation?
Sue and the children were each offered a pounds 5,000 fixed payment for being aboard the Herald of Free Enterprise when it capsized.
What happened to the free enterprise 1?
MS Free Enterprise (I) was a cross-Channel ferry operated by Townsend Brothers and later Townsend Thoresen between 1962 and 1980. She was their first purpose built roll-on/roll-off passenger and vehicle ferry. She was sold to Greece in 1980, where she served until being sold for scrap in 2013.
How safe is a ferry?
The simple answer is: they are generally very safe. In fact, ferries are normally considered one of the safest means to travel in Europe.