Ninety Seconds At Zeebrugge

Herald of Free Enterprise set sail on a routine voyage to Dover in March 1987, carrying hundreds of passengers, including British army personnel, day-trippers and drivers. Minutes after leaving Zeebrugge, the ferry began to capsize. Terrified passengers were separated from loved ones in a seething mass of humanity, in freezing cold water, fighting for their lives. This is the minute-by-minute account of people who lived through the disaster, from the event to rescue, reunion and repatriation. The Belgian people are also remembered for the care they gave to the bewildered survivors. Including plans, photographs and records considering how this disaster impacted ferry operating procedures forever, Iain Yardley’s thoughtful book covers every aspect of this tragedy. Many survivors, relatives and rescue workers have contributed to make this a fitting tribute to all involved from that night to the present day.