FLORAL tributes borne away by the tide brought the ceremony marking the 15th anniversary of the Herald of Free Enterprise tragedy to a close.

Earlier Dover minister, the Rev Norman Setchell, assisted by Rev David Ridley and Father Gary Gill, had conducted a service at the Seafarer's Centre, Snargate Street, Dover, for survivors and those whose family and friends had been among the 193 to perish.

Belgian and British television and radio crew and photographers recorded the mourners as they gathered for their annual pilgrimage.

Mr Setchell, who was representing the British and International Sailors' Society said: "As always, it was a very emotional occasion and for the second year running we read out the names of all the dead. I think events on September 11 also played a part in the numbers attending the service.

"It's very important for people to come together to ease the anger and the grief and not bottle it up." Among those who attended the service was Dover and Deal MP Gwyn Prosser.