Herald of Free Enterprise disaster, Belgium

Duration

6 March 1987 - 7 March 1987

Military personnel

69

Fatalities

none

Decorations

none

Ferry capsizes

When the ferry changed course shortly after leaving the port, thousands of litres of water flowed in through an open bow door. The vessel capsized within a minute. Many of those on board had no chance of survival: 193 passengers and crew were killed. During the evening and night, the Royal Netherlands Navy deployed a range of assets to provide assistance.