Princess Victoria 1953 Ferry Disaster Memorial Larne Co Antrim

Описание: MV Princess Victoria was one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off ferries. Completed in 1947, she operated from Stranraer, Scotland, to Larne, Northern Ireland. Captained by 55-year-old James Ferguson, the vessel left Stranraer's railway loading pier at 07:45, 31 January 1953, with 44 tons of cargo, 128 passengers and 51 crew. Captain Ferguson had served as master on various ferries on the same route for 17 years.
During a severe European windstorm, the Princess Victoria never made it home. She sank in the North Channel with the loss of 135 lives. This was then the deadliest maritime disaster in United Kingdom waters since World War II.

Donaghadee lifeboat, Sir Samuel Kelly, took part in the rescue operation in dreadful weather and high seas and was able to bring survivors on board.
There were 135 deaths, including the Deputy Prime Minister of Northern Ireland, Maynard Sinclair, and the MP for North Down, Sir Walter Smiles. There were no women or children among the survivors. Eyewitnesses reported seeing a lifeboat containing at least some of the women and children being smashed against the side of Princess Victoria by the huge waves. I believe no crew members survived.
The disaster shocked many people because, although it took place in extreme weather conditions, it involved a routine journey, on a relatively short crossing (20 miles, 32 km) in what were believed to be safe waters.
In Larne and Stranraer, small towns that largely relied on their seaports, most families were affected in some way.

Further
Check out
The 69th Anniversary of the Sinking of the MV Princess Victoria
Peter McCabe, associate member of History Hub Ulster tells us the stories behind 20 of the graves of victims of the MV Princess Victoria disaster on 31st January 1953.
   • 64. The 69th Anniversary of the Sinking of...