Justice versus conscience

The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster was a maritime tragedy that occurred on March 6, 1987, off the coast of Zeebrugge, Belgium. Here are the key points about the disaster:

1. The Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferry operated by Townsend Thoresen. It was on a routine trip from Zeebrugge to Dover, carrying 459 passengers, 80 crew members, and 81 vehicles.

2. The ferry departed Zeebrugge with its bow doors open, which allowed water to enter the car deck. The crew failed to notice this and did not take any corrective action.

3. As the ferry left the harbor, it began to take on water and became unstable. The captain attempted to turn the ship, but it capsized and sank within minutes.

4. 193 people died in the disaster, including passengers and crew members. The majority of the victims were trapped inside the ship as it capsized, while others were trapped in their vehicles or drowned in the cold water.

5. The disaster was attributed to a number of factors, including the open bow doors, the failure of the crew to notice and rectify the problem, and the lack of adequate safety measures on board the ferry.

6. The disaster led to significant changes in the regulation of ro-ro ferries and the shipping industry as a whole. It also led to improvements in safety measures and emergency procedures on board ships.

7. The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster remains one of the deadliest maritime disasters in European history and serves as a reminder of the importance of safety measures and vigilance in the shipping industry.