Church Service Held in Memory of Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster

A church service has been held Sunday for the survivors and families of victims of the 1987 Zeebrugge ferry disaster two days before its 20th anniversary on Tuesday.

The memorial service was held at St Mary's Church in Dover. The service was led by Rev Nicholas Stacey who once again testified the "selfless work of the crew" who survived the disaster.

On 6 March 1987, 193 passengers and crew died when the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry capsized following departure from Zeebrugge, heading for Kent.

During the service a candle was lit front of a stained glass window in the church in memory of those who had died in the disaster. The window was specially made to commemorate the tragedy.

The disaster occurred 20 years ago when the ferry departed Zeebrugge with the bow doors still open, allowing water to flood into the car decks.

On Tuesday, which is the actual 20th anniversary of the tragedy, a service will be given at the Dover centre of the British and International Sailors' Society. According to the BBC, the names of all those who died will be read out during the service.

A church service in memory of the lost lives was also held in Zeebrugge, at St Donaas Church on Sunday.