Vicarious Victims of a Maritime Disaster

Abstract

A group of 24 cross-channel ferry workers were referred to the Folkestone Mental Health Team in the months following the capsize of the ‘Herald of Free Enterprise’ at Zeebrugge in March 1987. They presented with symptoms of Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder and severe anxiety about working at sea. 17 had no direct connection with the Zeebrugge disaster, but appeared to be vicarious or peripheral victims. It is recommended that in cases of major transport accidents, off-duty crew members be screened for evidence of post-traumatic stress.