The captain involved in the tragic Marchioness incident faces fresh allegations after a recent court ruling
London: The captain of the dredger that collided with the Marchioness in 1989, resulting in the deaths of 51 people, is back in the spotlight. Douglas Henderson was recently fined for refusing a breathalyzer test while on duty. This incident has reignited discussions about the tragic event that shocked the nation.
Henderson was arrested last July on a cargo ship in Hull after customs officers suspected he had been drinking. He was found guilty of failing to provide a specimen and fined £281. This comes after he was acquitted of charges related to the Marchioness disaster, where juries couldn’t reach a verdict on his lookout responsibilities.
The Marchioness sank after being struck by the Bowbelle, with many passengers unable to escape due to the rapid sinking. Henderson’s past actions during the incident have drawn criticism, especially from families of the victims. Judy Wellington, who lost her son in the tragedy, expressed her disgust at Henderson’s recent court case.
When approached for comments, Henderson denied any wrongdoing and seemed dismissive of the allegations. The Marchioness tragedy led to significant changes in safety regulations on the Thames, including the introduction of lifeboats and stricter laws regarding alcohol consumption for boat operators.
