HYDRODYNAMIC ASPECTS OF THE SINKING OF THE FERRY 'HERALD OF FREE ENTERPRISE'

This paper reports on an investigation carried out by British Maritime Technology Ltd into the capsize and sinking of the passenger/freight ferry 'HERALD OF FREE ENTERPRISE.' The investigation concentrated on hydrodynamic aspects of the incident and involved a multi-disciplinary approach using computer models, physical models and a full scale trial. The results of the study indicate that a combination of squat and bow wave form caused large quantities of water to enter the main vehicle deck through bow doors that had been left open. Once sufficient water was on the deck, stability was lost and the ship heeled and entered a severe turn owing to yaw/heel coupling. Centrifugal effects aggravated the heel which, when large enough, resulted in the superstructure's flooding and the ship's ultimately coming to rest on her beam ends in shallow water.