05/03/2025
Herald that brought hope
As human beings, we have a tradition of recognising exceptional events, successes and tragedies. We erect statues, build memorials and hand out awards to individuals in nearly every sector of society.
Some events are denied an on-site marker, particularly those that happen at sea. But they can leave an indelible impression nonetheless, especially when they happen in waters near to home.
Few people have not heard of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, although that occurred nearly 113 years ago when it hit an iceberg 375 miles from New York. Less well known outside Dover is the story of the Herald of Free Enterprise ferry when it capsized four minutes after leaving its mooring in Zeebrugge on 6th March 1987.
We soon learned that the Zeebrugge Disaster should never have happened. If repeater lights had been fitted in the right places on the ferry, it would not have happened. The captain would not have put to sea with his bow doors open and 193 passengers and crew would not be mourned in March every year by the friends, colleagues, neighbours and families of the loved ones who perished in Belgian waters on that cold night across the English Channel 80 miles east of Dover.
Ferry companies across the world took note and changes were made to ensure that the same equipment deficiencies on passenger and car ferries were not repeated.
As in Samson’s riddle, something sweet did emerge from the tragedy. In the immediate aftermath of the sinking, there was a rapid realisation that urgent care was needed for the survivors as well as for the friends and relatives who had also felt the full, horrible impact of the fatalities.
Initially the Herald Assistance Unit (HAU) was hastily convened by Kent County Council which transformed into Dover Counselling Centre (DCC), a joint venture funded by Sealink and P&O, which soon extended the support available to others in the local community who needed professional counselling from a variety of other causes.
As we approach the 38th anniversary of the Zeebrugge Ferry Disaster, DCC can look back with some pride on the thousands of people who have made a full recovery from anxiety, depression or acute distress as a direct result of the care services provided by this pioneering charity. As one DCC client put it recently: “Thank you for giving me my life back.”
From its national headquarters in Whitfield near Dover, DCC continues to offer prompt and cost-effective treatment to residents and workers from across the country to bring comfort and relief to individuals and enlightened company owners who appreciate that prompt attention to mental health issues produces a happier and more productive workforce.
DCC welcomes enquiries to its offices at Horizon House, Whitfield. Full contact details are available on the DCC website at https://dcc-care.org
