River Dee Ferry Boat Disaster

The River Dee Ferry Boat Disaster, April 5, 1876, drowned 32 people in the mouth of the River Dee, Aberdeen.

Context

Aberdeen is a city which sits on the north bank of the River Dee, on the south bank sits the Royal Burgh of Torry. April 5th was a public holiday, so many people were not working. There was a fair in Torry and large numbers were crossing the River Dee by ferry, heading for the holiday fair.

The ferry operated on a pulley system, attached by a rope at each end to either bank, allowing it to be pulled across the river, without the need for an engine, sails or rudder on the boat.

The Disaster

As queues began to form on the Aberdeen side, people became impatient and pushed their way on to the boat before those already onboard had a chance to get off. Heavily overloaded, it set off with more than 70 people on board.

After several days of rain, the river was swollen and fast flowing. The ferry started to list as it moved into mid-stream. The tension on the ropes was too great and they were cast off, causing the boat to drift towards the sea.

As she capsized, over half the passengers were able to swim to safety but 32 people – most of whom were from Aberdeen – lost their lives.

Aftermath

There had been plans for some time for a new bridge across to Torry but the final impetus was provided by the disaster and Queen Victoria Bridge was formally opened on July 2, 1881.

The bridge was partly funded by public subscription and partly by the Corporation of Aberdeen Council, providing direct access from Torry into the heart of Aberdeen.

A plaque commemorating those who lost their lives in this disaster was erected on the bridge in 2005.

See also

• List of United Kingdom disasters by death toll