January 31 marks 69 years since one of the most significant maritime incidents off the coast of Northern Ireland.
The MV Princess Victoria sank on January 31, 1953, in the North Channel with 133 people losing their lives. This was the worst maritime disaster involving a ferry until the Herald of Free Enterprise in 1987.
Built in 1947 by Wm Denny & Bros, Dumbarton, The Princess Victoria was one of the earliest roll-on, roll-off ferries to go into service.
British Railways used the ferry on the crossing from Stranraer in Scotland to Larne and was the first purpose-built ferry of her kind to operate in British coastal waters. She could hold 1,500 passengers plus cargo and had sleeping accommodation for 54.
The short crossing from Scotland was made on a stormy morning. The sinking of Princess Victoria occurred during a severe storm that also caused the North Sea Flood of 1953, claiming 531 fatalities in the UK alone, although this was the worst single incident in that storm.
Sadly, no women or children on board nor the Captain survived with just 44 people escaping the tragic incident that occurred off the Co Down coast, which is often regarded as "a generation's Titanic".
The wreckage can still be found lying at the bottom of the Irish Sea, northeast of the Copeland Islands.
Commemorations are held annually in Larne as many of the victims were from Northern Ireland and many local families are said to have been affected by the incident.
