The Marchioness Disaster
In August 1989, the Marchioness pleasure boat collided with a dredger on the River Thames in London, resulting in one of the worst maritime disasters in the city's history. The collision caused the Marchioness to sink rapidly, trapping many of the passengers inside.
The emergency response was chaotic and disorganized, with delays in locating and rescuing survivors. In total, 51 people lost their lives in the tragedy, including many young partygoers who were celebrating a birthday on board.
The disaster led to a public inquiry and calls for improved safety regulations on the Thames. It also highlighted the importance of effective emergency response procedures and coordination in maritime incidents.