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The Marchioness, 20 August 1989

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Elizabethofseasons

Elizabethofseasons Report 19 Aug 2019 20:08

Dear All

Hello

In the early hours of 20 August 1989, 51 people were killed when a pleasure cruiser named "The Marchioness" collided with a barge, the Bowbelle,
on the River Thames.

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In the frantic aftermath, Police commandeered other boats to search for survivors who had been tipped into the river after the collision near Southwark Bridge.


Party-goers on other cruisers witnessed the events and some tried to help.


"We were all shouting at the driver to back up to try and rescue some of the people which he did.


"We got back and some of the guys jumped into the water and pulled some of the people onto our boat," said one witness, Rob Elliott.

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In April 1995. a jury returned verdicts of unlawful killings in inquests held for those who drowned.

The families of victims campaigned for over 10 years for a public inquiry, which
started in 2000.

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In 2002 the first River Thames lifeboat rescue service was started in response to one of the report's recommendations.

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Later this evening, a vigil will be held and a formal church service, with families and representatives from the emergency services in attendance.

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With deepest respect

Love Elizabeth, EOS
xx

maggiewinchester

maggiewinchester Report 19 Aug 2019 22:12

<3 <3 <3

Researching:
Gg gran Amelia - Suffolk side