MV Herald of Free Enterprise

The MV Herald of Free Enterprise was a passenger ferry operated by the Belgian shipping company Townsend Thoresen. In 1987, it capsized off the coast of Belgium due to a sudden wave, causing the bow doors to open and flooding the vehicle decks. This disaster resulted in the deaths of 193 people. The incident highlighted the importance of vessel safety procedures and led to significant changes in maritime safety regulations to prevent similar accidents in the future.