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Sightseers risk lives walking under toppling ferry
SECURITY around the stricken cargo ferry Riverdance is to be stepped up after an afternoon of madness on Blackpool beach.
Around 50 sightseers – including young children and babies in prams – got through cordons protecting the ship which is perilously listing and in danger of toppling on to the sands.
See our updated gallery of the stricken ferry
Many even made it to the port side, directly underneath trucks left hanging over the rails of the vessel which ran aground in stormy seas last Thursday.
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Police and Coastguards admitted they were powerless to stop people getting onto the beach – which is subject to a Government-imposed 400m exclusion zone.
Repeated appeals by officers for those on the beach to return to the shore were ignored.
"They risked their lives, anything could have fallen off the ship," said Insp Tim Newton, of Blackpool Police, who is leading the police operation at the wreck site south of Cleveleys.
"The salvers are pretty certain the ship and what's on board is secure, but had the ship moved or something fallen it would have killed those below."
Salvage crews are currently working onboard the ship in an effort to raise it from the sand.
The salvage company will today take over security of the site. They will erect fencing to prevent people getting onto the beach, while extra security officers will be drafted in.
Nobody will be allowed on the beach within the exclusion zone during low tide to prevent a repeat of yesterday.
Danger
Insp Newton explained the public were able to get to the ship because of reduced numbers of Coastguard officers manning the vast "no-go" zone put in place over the weekend when thousands of people headed to Cleveleys to see the wreck.
He said the police and Coastguards "did not lose control".
He added: "The Coastguard numbers were believed to be appropriate for the people anticipated, but because of the good weather a great many more people have come to see the ship.
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"For a short period the number of Coastguards was less than required.
"A number of people have gone onto the beach and to the ship. They have ignored advice and seriously put themselves in danger.
"It was very concerning to see kids and babies in prams right up to the stern of the ship. Procedures have now been put in place so that, as far as possible, it will not happen again."
The fences will be erected around the two slipways opposite the ship, while the public will still be able to gather and watch the stricken vessel from behind the wall at Anchorsholme Park.
Insp Newton added: "The exclusion zone was put in place by the Secretary of State for Transport and it will be enforced
"This is not about spoiling people's fun. The facts are the site is not safe for the public.
"Of course, people want to come and see the ship. The measures put in place will still mean the public can see it from the safety of the shore.
"The biggest impact is to the dog walkers and joggers who use the beach daily, and it's regrettable they cannot do that in this spot at present, but public safety is paramount."
The Riverdance ran aground after it was hit by freak waves while en route to Heysham from Warrenpoint in Northern Ireland.
Twenty three crew and passengers were airlifted to safety in a daring rescue operation by the RAF, Navy and Lytham and Fleetwood lifeboat crews.
Meanwhile, salvers say they are making " steady progress". A crane and other equipment will arrive from York today.
Surveillance
An aerial surveillance flight was carried out and was able to confirm the vessel – which was listing at 80 degrees – remains in position on the sands and there is no pollution.
The plan will now be to lift equipment onto the ship and then begin work lessening its list. Fuel oils will then be removed in order to prepare the ship ready for its removal from the beach.
A spokesman for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency said: "Members of the public are requested to stay outside the exclusion zone placed around Riverdance for their own safety.
"There is a zone of 400 metres around the vessel and those who cross into it may by liable to prosecution and a hefty fine."
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Weather for Blackpool
Sunday 27 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 14 C to 27 C
Wind Speed: 16 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 12 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 14 mph
Wind direction: South west
