Monday 6 March 2017

R.I.P. The Herald of Free Enterprise

The Herald of Free Enterprise
30 years ago* – huge loss of lives
From Zeebrugge harbour off the shore
Someone did not check the door...

Innocent lives in mortal peril
Engulfed - as water found its level...
Sad negligence – a «minor» slip
Spelt disaster for this ferry-ship.

A ceremony held today
For the 1-9-3 who passed away
Their lives cut short that fatal eve;
So many families still grieve ...

Worst peacetime maritime disaster
Huge headache for the Harbour Master
Surpassed in tragic loss and panic
By only one ship – the Titanic!

(c) Poet in the woods 2017

*On March 6th, 1987.




2 comments:

  1. Such a huge loss due to human error that could have been avoided...

    ReplyDelete
  2. I remember this then did the trip a few years ago zebrugge to Hull (my first channel ferry ride with this on my mind) ..

    ReplyDelete