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The Herald of Free Enterprise disaster – in remembrance

1 Mar, 2021

Friday, March 6 1987, saw one of the worst maritime disasters in living memory when the Herald of Free Enterprise capsized off the Belgian coast on the way to Dover. It took just 90 seconds for the ferry to sink in a tragedy that claimed the lives of 193 people.

Sailors’ Society chaplains supported the families of those who died that terrible night, and every year since we have held a memorial service on the anniversary at St Mary’s Church, Dover, for survivors, families and members of the community to remember those who were lost.

Sadly, this year coronavirus restrictions mean families are unable to gather together. However, the church will be broadcasting a short service via zoom at 10am on Saturday March 6 (see link below).

On this the 34^th anniversary of the Herald of Free Enterprise disaster, our thoughts and prayers are with everyone whose lives were affected by this tragedy.

We recall the many acts of individual heroism of both crew and passengers and we give thanks to God for those who gave their lives that others might live.

We remember those we loved, and still love, those known to us as friends, and those unknown to us, who now belong to that host which no man can number, who have died at sea.

Zoom link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83217823350?pwd=bjZBTGpYakF4SmRVbEl0S2hhNURFQT09

Meeting ID: 832 1782 3350
Passcode: 654085

You can download the Order of Service here and the Prayer card here

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