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Dear All
Hello
51 people, many only in their 20's died when a pleasure cruiser was hit on the River Thames on 20 August 1989.
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There was a frantic rescue operation.
Police commandeered other boats to search for survivors who had been tipped into the river after the collision.
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 died.
For more than 10 years the families of the victims campaigned
for a public inquiry which began in 2000.
In 2002 the first River Thames lifeboat rescue service was started in response to one of the report's recommendations.
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As with so many other accidents and incidents,
why does it take so long to get to the truth?
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Remembering those who died, their families and those who are still living with their injuries.
A special reminder of those, whether civilian or emergency workers,
who helped others.
With deepest respect
Elizabeth,
xx
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Such an awful event and so many lost.
Quietly remembered.
Gwyn
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Yes, I remember that incident Elizabeth. Was it really 25 years ago?
So tragic!
Remembering all those who died, and those who's lives were affected by such a terrible tragedy.
Jem
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Dear Gwyn and Jemima
Hello
Thank you very much for adding to the post.
Today there was a memorial service.
Relatives of 51 people who died when the Marchioness pleasure boat
sank in the River Thames gathered at a service 25 years on.
The Marchioness was packed with 131 partygoers when it collided
with the dredger Bowbelle.
The names of the victims were read out at Southwark Cathedral,
where 51 roses were laid and 51 candles were lit.
Representatives from the Royal National Lifeboat Institute and the
Port of London Authority were present at the lunchtime Eucharist service.
After the service, relatives dropped flowers into the river.
Following the disaster, a campaign by the Marchioness Action Group
for improved safety led to lifeboat services being provided on the river.
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Sincere wishes
Elizabeth,
xx
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