Cruise Talk: Herald of Free Enterprise disaster 20 years ago

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»	Cruise Talk » Ferry Travel » Herald of Free Enterprise disaster 20 years ago

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Topic: Herald of Free Enterprise disaster 20 years ago

Johan
First Class Passenger
Member # 4458

posted 03-06-2007 06:07 AM

This day 20 years ago the worst maritime accident happened in Belgian waters, when the Townsend Thoresen ferry "Herald of Free Enterprise" left Zeebrugge Port with her bow doors open, keeled over and sank within 90 seconds.193 people died.

It is a day of remembrance here in Belgium, with much media attention, and services.

I think everybody here can remember where he was when he heard the terrible news. The sight of the profile of the upturned TT-ferry in the seawater is burned in the memory.

Her sister "Pride of Free Enterprise" still sails from Belgium to England, as the "Oleander" for Transeuropean Ferries from Oostende, but probably a lot safer than her doomed sister.

Posts: 1895 | From: Antwerpen, Belgium | Registered: Feb 2004 | IP: Logged

DAMBROSI
First Class Passenger
Member # 100

posted 03-20-2007 12:54 AM

Oh yes, I do remember that terrible disaster. It was awful that it happened. When I had seen it on the news reports, I could'nt believe what I had seen. A very sad day for all of you.

Posts: 2554 | From: Florida, USA, Where the Legend SS NORWAY sailed from. Moving back to FL next yr. | Registered: May 99 | IP: Logged

Linerdan
First Class Passenger
Member # 4719

posted 03-20-2007 03:40 AM

I can remember the event well and cant believe its been 20 years!.
Somewhere i still have all old newpaper clippings on what happened.

Posts: 397 | From: Australia.....NSW......Jervis Bay | Registered: May 2004 | IP: Logged

PamM
Cruise Director
Member # 2127

posted 03-20-2007 05:35 AM

It was a very sad day and I remember feeling that it couldn't be true when I first heard and saw the disaster on the news. There were many rememberance services in the UK at the beginning of the month with good reports & articles on the BBC website. Hopefully never to be mistakes repeated.

Also last Sunday was the 40th anniversary of the the Torrey Canyon disaster.

Pam

[ 03-20-2007: Message edited by: PamM ]

Posts: 12176 | From: Cambridge, UK | Registered: Jun 2001 | IP: Logged

Maasdam
First Class Passenger
Member # 3858

posted 03-20-2007 08:02 AM

Don't remember exactly which day it was Friday ore Saturday. The whole family watching t.v. still remember which station it was TROS (fore the Dutch and some Belgians) They stop the usual program and there actuality program TROS actua kicked in with the report that the HOFE was capsized with great lose of live. It al was unbelievable. Here salvage by Smit internationale was broadcast live on t.v. All those dead sliding down the bulkhead to bring ashore.

Greetings Ben.

Posts: 4695 | From: Rotterdam home of the tss. Rotterdam. | Registered: May 2003 | IP: Logged

Willem
First Class Passenger
Member # 3005

posted 03-21-2007 01:17 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Linerdan:
I can remember the event well and cant believe its been 20 years!.

How can one forget this tragic event when it happened on your birthday.

Willem

Posts: 1469 | From: In the namesake city of Cape Hoorn. | Registered: Apr 2002 | IP: Logged

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