Services mark 65th anniversary of Princess Victoria tragedy

The MV Princess Victoria Credit: PA

Today marks the the 65th anniversary of the worst peacetime maritime disaster to occur in British coastal waters, the loss of the MV Princess Victoria.

The ferry was lost in a storm on its journey from Stranraer Harbour to Larne in Northern Ireland, on the morning of 31 January 1953.

Ceremonies are taking place in Stranraer and Larne to commemorate the disaster, with wreaths laid at memorials in both towns.

Dumfries and Galloway Council Leader, Elaine Murray, said the consequences of the tragedy 65 years ago are still keenly felt for those who lost loved ones:

Survivors being landed at Donaghadee, Northern Ireland Credit: PA

This year a new plaque will be unveiled to commemorate two more people who are now known to have perished in the disaster: Thomas Saunders and Gordon Wright, both servicemen, who died at sea.

Council Depute Leader, Rob Davidson, said: