The MS Herald of Free Enterprise was a roll-on/roll-off ferry operated by Townsend Thoresen, designed to facilitate the smooth transport of passengers and vehicles across the English Channel. On March 6, 1987, while departing from Zeebrugge for Dover, the ferry began to capsize shortly after leaving the harbor. Investigators later determined that the bow doors had been left open, allowing water to rush onto the car deck as the vessel accelerated. The ferry quickly reached a critical angle, ultimately overturning in roughly 90 seconds. The swift and catastrophic nature of the capsizing caught many passengers off guard, leading to a chaotic scene as people tried to escape. Rescue operations commenced immediately, with naval ships and helicopters responding to the disaster. Despite their efforts, 193 individuals perished in the incident, making it one of the worst maritime tragedies in British waters. There were multiple nationalities among the victims, including passengers and crew members, which sparked widespread media coverage and public grief. Subsequent investigations by the British authorities scrutinized Townsend Thoresen's safety practices, and it was revealed that regulations had not been adequately followed. This raised alarms about the management of passenger safety in the ferry industry, particularly regarding the handling of emergency situations.The tragedy led to significant changes in ferry regulations and safety measures, emphasizing the importance of adhering to protocols like securing doors before departure. Maritime authorities across Europe began to reevaluate their own safety standards in light of the incident, influencing future policies in passenger ferry operations for years to come. Additionally, the disaster prompted a broader dialogue about the responsibilities of ferry operators and the safety of passengers at sea.