On this day August 20 1989, tragedy struck in London when two vessels collided on the River Thames. The collision, involving the Marchioness pleasure boat and the dredger Bowbelle, claimed the lives of 51 people.
The Marchioness was carrying young partygoers when it was struck and quickly sank, making it one of the deadliest river disasters in modern British history. The event sparked national outrage and led to sweeping changes in maritime safety regulations, including stricter rules for vessel lighting, crew training, and oversight on the Thames.
80s insight: The disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities in passenger safety during the decade, pushing the government to finally strengthen waterway regulations after years of neglect.
The Marchioness was carrying young partygoers when it was struck and quickly sank, making it one of the deadliest river disasters in modern British history. The event sparked national outrage and led to sweeping changes in maritime safety regulations, including stricter rules for vessel lighting, crew training, and oversight on the Thames.
80s insight: The disaster highlighted the vulnerabilities in passenger safety during the decade, pushing the government to finally strengthen waterway regulations after years of neglect.
