What Happened This Year 1987

Historical Events from This Year 1987

Transportation & Infrastructure

Thatcher and Mitterrand Sign Channel Tunnel Agreement

July 29th, 1987 37 years ago

British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher and French President François Mitterrand signed an agreement to construct the Channel Tunnel, a major infrastructure project intended to link the United Kingdom and continental Europe. The project was envisioned to enhance transportation and trade connections between the two nations. The agreement took place in Canterbury, Kent, symbolizing a significant step towards European integration and cooperation between the UK and France, amidst a backdrop of growing economic interdependence.

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Natural Disasters

Edmonton Tornado Claims 27 Lives

July 31st, 1987 37 years ago

A devastating tornado struck Edmonton, Alberta, claiming the lives of 27 individuals. This natural disaster occurred in the evening and resulted in widespread destruction across several neighborhoods. The tornado developed rapidly, catching many residents off guard as they began their evening routines. Emergency services faced significant challenges due to the extent of the damage and the number of injuries reported. Recovery efforts began immediately as communities came together to support those affected.

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Politics & Government

FCC Rescinds Fairness Doctrine

August 4th, 1987 37 years ago

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted to eliminate the Fairness Doctrine, a policy requiring broadcasters to present contrasting viewpoints on controversial issues. This decision was made during a public meeting, marking a significant shift in the regulation of broadcasting in the United States. The Fairness Doctrine had been in place since the 1940s, aimed at ensuring a balanced discourse in media. The FCC argued that it was no longer necessary, given the proliferation of media outlets providing diverse coverage.

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Sports & Recreation

Lynne Cox's Historic Swim Across Bering Strait

August 7th, 1987 37 years ago

Lynne Cox made history by swimming across the Bering Strait from Little Diomede Island in Alaska to Big Diomede in the Soviet Union. The swim, which took place in frigid waters and amid geopolitical tensions of the Cold War, symbolized a moment of human connection. Cox accomplished this remarkable feat to promote peace and understanding despite the ongoing hostilities between the United States and the Soviet Union. She encountered icy currents and sub-zero temperatures while also addressing the broader themes of unity and cooperation in a divided world.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Northwest Airlines Flight 255 Crash in Detroit

August 16th, 1987 37 years ago

Northwest Airlines Flight 255, a McDonnell Douglas MD-82, took off from Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport but crashed shortly after becoming airborne due to a loss of control. With 155 passengers and crew on board, only one person survived the accident. Additionally, two individuals on the ground were killed by the aircraft, which struck a nearby road, highlighting a tragic series of events resulting from pilot error and the aircraft's configuration.

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Crime & Law

Michael Ryan's Shooting Spree in Hungerford

August 19th, 1987 37 years ago

Michael Ryan opened fire in Hungerford, England, killing sixteen people with a semi-automatic rifle. The attack commenced in the town center and continued through residential areas, leaving a trail of devastation before Ryan turned the gun on himself. Witnesses described chaos as Ryan systematically targeted victims at random, including children and adults, using an assault weapon. This incident shocked the nation and prompted discussions about gun control.

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Religion & Philosophy

Odaeyang Mass Suicide Incident

August 29th, 1987 37 years ago

Thirty-three members of a religious cult were discovered deceased in the attic of a cafeteria in Yongin, South Korea, leading investigators to suspect a murder-suicide pact. The community was shaken as details emerged indicating these individuals had been connected through extreme beliefs and practices. Local authorities launched an investigation into the cult dynamics and the circumstances surrounding the tragic event, raising questions about the safety and influence of such groups.

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Accidents & Tragedies

Thai Airways Flight 365 Ocean Crash

August 31st, 1987 37 years ago

Thai Airways Flight 365 crashed into the ocean near Ko Phuket, Thailand, resulting in the loss of all 83 individuals on board. The aircraft, an Airbus A310-200, was en route from Bangkok to Phuket. Shortly after takeoff, it encountered a severe rainstorm that affected control. Despite desperate attempts to manage the aircraft, it ultimately went down offshore.

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Crime & Law

Trial of Mathias Rust Begins in Moscow

September 2nd, 1987 37 years ago

Mathias Rust, a 19-year-old pilot, was put on trial in Moscow for flying a Cessna aircraft into Red Square. His unauthorized flight in May raised significant concerns regarding Soviet airspace security. Rust landed his plane in the heart of Moscow, prompting severe international attention and government scrutiny. His actions were seen as a daring stunt and a challenge to Soviet authority.

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