Donaghadee Parish host service to commemorate shipping disaster
Donaghadee Parish has hosted a service commemorating the 65th anniversary of the sinking of the MV Princess Victoria.
On the morning of January 31 1953, the ferry left Stranraer bound for Larne but sank off the coast of Scotland in a severe storm. The disaster resulted in the loss of 134 lives – the greatest peacetime loss of life in UK waters.
The Donaghadee lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly was one of the boats that set out to help and rescued 33 of the 44 survivors from the stricken vessel. The boat and crew also brought in many bodies the following day.
The rector of Donaghadee, Revd Ian Gamble said:”This is an opportunity to commemorate a disaster that made a lasting impression on Donaghadee.
“Many people still alive have painful memories of the awful news and the bodies being brought ashore following that dreadful storm.”
The service took place on Sunday afternoon 28 January and was a chance to remember, not only those who died and their families, but also to celebrate the astonishing bravery of the lifeboat crews and the crews of all the vessels who risked their lives in the rescue.
There was an accompanying exhibition in the church hall organised by Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Ards and North Down Borough Council.
The lifeboat Sir Samuel Kelly is on the UK’s National Historic Ships Register. Donaghadee Heritage would like to restore it and place it on display in a permanent heritage centre in Donaghadee.
MV Princess Victoria