People gathered in Morecambe to remember and reflect on tragedies like the cock ring 20 years ago.
Two services were held at Morecambe Coast Lifeboat Station on Monday to remember the 23 people from China who died while collecting cockles in Morecambe Bay on February 5, 2004.
The evening service, led by the Bishop of Blackburn, the Reverend Philip North, included a candlelight vigil in memory of the victims.
The victims were Chinese nationals who entered the country illegally and were forced to work in extremely dangerous conditions.
Rt Rev North He said he hoped the memorial would also serve to highlight continuing instances of modern-day slavery.
The photo below is of Rt Rev North at last night’s service. Image from Lancaster City Council.
james liu A man from the North Lancashire Chinese Community Association said he felt “the love and kindness of people” at the memorial service.
Morecambe lifeboat crews played a leading role in rescuing and recovering migrants stranded on the Bay’s dangerous beaches.
paul turner He was at the helm of the Morecambe lifeboat that night and said the anniversary was a vivid reminder of the tragedy.
Pastor Chris KrawickThe vicar of Morecambe Parish Church (pictured below from the service, image from Lancaster City Council) said it was important to mark the anniversary and remember the victims.
An afternoon service was also held at the Cockling Monument next to the lifeboat station, attended by members of the emergency and rescue services.
paul harrisonhe and the fisherman who were on duty with Liverpool Coastguard that night Harold BensonThose who helped with the search spoke to Beyond Radio about their memories of the tragedy.
Here are some images from the afternoon service in memory of the victims of the Morecambe Bay cockling tragedy.
Thanks to Nigel Thompson for providing some of the audio and photos for this article.