A memorial service to mark the 72nd anniversary of the loss of the Princess Victoria in the ‘Great Storm’ of 1953 was held on Friday 31 January.
The Princess Victoria was one of the first roll on roll off designed ferries and made daily return crossings from Larne to Stranraer.
Tragically it was caught up in severe weather during the great storm of 1953. The heavy seas led to the stern gates of the car deck being forced open and within four hours The Princess Victoria sank.
It is thought that 177 people were on board including 49 members of the crew and that the disaster claimed the lives of 135 people. The tragedy had a huge impact on Larne with 27 of the victims from the town.
The annual event was organised by Mid and East Antrim Borough Council – with a service conducted by local clergy. There was representation from the rescue services and maritime bodies, as well as community groups and families who lost loved ones in the tragedy.
A name plaque was dedicated by Rev. Francis O’Brien, parish priest, in memory of Mary Fennell, who was lost in the tragedy and whose body was never recovered from the sea. The family approached Council as Mary’s name was not on the list of those lost and this has now been rectified.
Wreath laying was led by the Lord Lieutenant for County Antrim, David McCorkell, KStJ, and Mayor Alderman Beth Adger MBE. Wreaths were also laid on behalf of Stranraer and District Local History Trust, civic and uniformed organisations as well as families of those who were lost in the disaster.