Thames Safety Inquiry (into the Marchioness-Bowbell disaster)

Terms of Reference: To review the responsibilities of Government Departments, the Port of London Authority and any other persons or bodies for promoting safety on the River Thames (the River) and advise:

- whether they are sufficient for the purpose and are properly allocated;

- whether they are properly discharged;

- whether there are in place effective arrangements to ensure that all relevant persons and bodies co-operate effectively

- whether the safety measures applied to vessels on the River are sufficient and adequately enforced

- whether the safety procedures and rescue facilities on the River are sufficient to respond to emergencies arising from collision or otherwise; and

- whether there is a case for a further investigation or inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Marchioness disaster and its causes on 20^th August 1989.

There will be additional use of the River as part of the celebrations during the Millenium year. The judge appointed to conduct the inquiry will therefore be asked to make recommendations on arrangements for safety on the River by December 1999.

Chair: Clarke LJ

Panel Members: None

Dates:

· Establishment: 18 August 1999.

· Hearings: First public meeting, 27 September 1999.

Report: Interim Report 26 November 1999 (published 2 December 1999); Final Report 22 December 1999 (published January 2000).

Link to website and or download report:

Interim report:

http://www.dft.gov.uk/pgr/shippingports/shipping/safety/tsiinterim/

Final report:

http://library.coastweb.info/461/1/Thames_safety_inquiry_final_report.pdf

Description of the events which caused the public concern:

The collision between the passenger vessel the Marchioness and the dredger Bowbelle on the River Thames on 20 August 1989. The Marchioness sank and 51 people lost their lives. No inquiry was held at the time.

Litigation:

Summary of reports recommendations:

The Interim Report made a series of detailed recommendations in relation to safety on the River Thames.

Final report in answer to the question whether there is a case for a further investigation or inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the Marchioness disaster and its causes on 20^th August 1989:

1. The Secretary of State should exercise his power under section 268 of the Merchant Shipping Act 1995 to cause a formal investigation to be held into the collision between the Marchioness and the Bowbelle, the loss of the Marchioness, the loss of life and the injuries suffered by those who survived.

2. Although I take the view that the remit of a formal investigation would include the search and rescue operation, I recommend that the Secretary of State give an express direction to that effect in accordance with regulation 4(1) of the Merchant Shipping (Formal Investigations) Rules 1985, as amended.