Ferry disaster commemorated

5 March 2007

BRUSSELS – Some 200 people gathered in Zeebrugge on Sunday to commemorate the ferry boat disaster of the Herald of Free Enterprise on 6 March 1987. The ship capsized just outside of the Zeebrugge harbour after the crew forgot to close the bow doors. 193 passengers and crew members drowned.

The church in Zeebrugge held a mass in memory of the victims and wreaths were laid at the memorial stone. It was a solemn ceremony. “193 families continue to suffer the loss of a father, mother, child or relative,” the priest said.

A number of British came to Zeebrugge to lay wreaths. There was also a church service in Dover on Sunday. A larger commemoration ceremony will take play on Tuesday.

Subject: Belgian news