Marchioness timeline

Families have waited 12years for the report

Twelve years after 51 people died in the Marchioness pleasure boat disaster on the River Thames, Lord Justice Clarke is to publish his public inquiry report.

Survivors and families of the victims have campaigned for the inquiry since the accident on 20 August 1989.

August 1989: The Marchioness sinks after a collision with the dredger Bowbelle while 132 people are enjoying a birthday party on board.

July 1991: The Bowbelle's skipper Douglas Henderson is acquitted of failing to maintain a proper lookout after a second jury fails to reach a verdict.

August 1991: The Marine Accident Investigation Branch report into the accident said the failure of look-outs on both ships was the immediate cause of the tragedy.

January 1992: Report published after inquiry into river safety by secretary general of the Law Society John Hayes.

February 1992: Coroner confirms the hands of 25 or more of the victims were removed.

June 1992: Manslaughter case against owners of Bowbelle, South Coast Shipping Company Ltd, and four of its directors Robert Samuel, Captain Peter Butcher and Captain Brian Darwell are dismissed. No evidence offered in case of fourth director George Edward Greenwood.

October 1994: New inquests are opened into the deaths.

December 1993:Conservative minister for transport Stephen Norris says there is no case for public inquiry.

March 1995: Mr Norris says a public inquiry is not necessary or appropriate after the MAIB investigation and as the inquests had not concluded.

April 1995: Inquest jury returns verdict of unlawful killing.

May 1996: Bowbelle, then named Bom Rei, sinks off Madeira.

August 1999: Memorial service for 10th anniversary of disaster.

Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott orders inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the "last and worst collision" on the River Thames.

October 2000: Formal investigation inquiry begins.