Coalport ferry disaster victims remembered
A special event took place in Coalport on the evening of 23 October to remember the victims of the 1799 ferry disaster.
About 80 people attended the event outside The Boat Inn to pay tribute to the 28 victims of the disaster, which happened when a boat carrying workers from the Coalport China Museum capsized in the River Severn at 9pm on 23 October 1799.
Ironbridge ward member Councillor Carolyn Healy was interviewed by ITV Central News journalist Andy Bevan and the event also featured on BBC Midlands Today.
Local resident Bob Herrick has carried out research into the disaster and it was on the back of his work that the event took place. Carolyn and Bob both addressed the crowd and the Jackfield Brass Band played two hymns either side of a minute's silence.
28 fire cans were also lit on the river bank in honour of each of the 28 victims. Councillor Healy said that she would work with local groups on the creation of a permanent memorial to the 28 victims.
