My entire family went on a boat trip that they never returned from
Summary
Sixty years ago, a pleasure boat called the Prince of Wales sank in the Mawddach Estuary in Wales, killing 15 people, including the entire family of 14-year-old Peter Watts. The boat hit a toll bridge due to strong tides, throwing passengers into the water, and an official inquiry found the boat was overloaded and poorly crewed. A new memorial has been unveiled to remember those who died in this tragedy.Key Facts
- On July 22, 1966, the Prince of Wales pleasure boat sank in the Mawddach Estuary, Gwynedd, Wales.
- The boat struck the Penmaenpool toll bridge because of tides, causing passengers to fall into the water.
- Of 42 passengers, 15 died, including Peter Watts’ mother, father, brother, and sister.
- The boat carried six more passengers than its legal limit of 36.
- Only one crew member, the skipper Edward Llewelyn, was on board instead of the required two.
- Lifebelts were insufficient, and safety equipment was improperly stored.
- The skipper was found negligent but was not prosecuted; he had to pay £100 towards inquiry costs.
- The disaster led to changes in laws about boat passenger limits and insurance.
- A memorial has been set up to honor the victims of the disaster.
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