ANSWERING THE SHOUT

n the early hours of August 20, 1989, the River Thames party boat was boarded by a large group of revelers. The evening was warm and still—ideal conditions for the happy Londoners gathered for a birthday celebration. With everyone aboard, a staff of two opened the bar and got the music started, while the ship’s crew got the boat off the dock for what promised to be a wonderful night out on the water. Within half an hour, though, the was overtaken by the dredger and struck near the stern. She turned hard to port and struck her a second time, tipping the party boat on her side and riding directly over her. A