6th March 1987 Herald of Free Enterprise. Earlier High water spring tide. Ship not designed for port with only one ramp. Ballast tanks at front are full to allow cars on. 17.50 Chief officer required to be on bridge 15 minutes before sailing.
Checks there are no passengers on car deck.
He is responsible for ensuring bow doors are closed, he thinks he sees assistant Bosun on the deck. 18.06 Herald reverses out of dock, turns and heads out of harbour. Bosun is last to leave car deck. He sees doors open but it is not his job to close them. Master increases speed.