A memorial paying tribute to the people who died in a maritime disaster off Suffolk’s coast 31 years ago today is to be unveiled this morning.

The service will be held from 9.30am at the cliff tops in Wolsey Gardens in Felixstowe, looking out over the site where the European Gateway collided with another vessel in 1982, resulting in the loss of six lives.

Former Felixstowe mayor Mike Deacon, who witnessed the accident and helped organise the memorial in response to an EADT campaign, said it will be a simple, dignified affair.

“The memorial plaque is very simple but I think it’s absolutely what is wanted,” he said.

“To see the hull of a ship lying on its side knowing that people have died is one of those things I will never forget,”

Mr Deacon has thanked the Felixstowe Society, East of England Co-operative Society and Perfitt stonemasons for their help organising the event.