Many of the pictures we have chosen to publish here were taken by our photographers at events to mark the 10th and fifth anniversaries of that fateful evening in 2004.
Our thoughts are with all those who lost their lives, and their families and loved ones, as the 20th anniversary approaches.
5. Morecambe cockling tragedy 20 years on
Cockle bags picked by the Chinese cocklers who died in the tragedy were uncovered in Morecambe Bay around the 10th anniversary of the disaster. Photo: Garth Hamer
6. Morecambe cockling tragedy 20 years on
Sigh of the Sea event to mark the 10th anniversary of the cockling tragedy. Photo: Nigel Slater
7. Morecambe cockling tragedy 20 years on
Sigh of the Sea event in 2014 which marked the 10th anniversary of the cockling tragedy. Photo: Nigel Slater
8. Morecambe cockling tragedy 20 years on
Lanterns are carried onto the beach near the Clock Tower in Morecambe for the Sigh of the Sea event to mark the 10th anniversary of the cockling tragedy. Photo: Nigel Slater