Motion: 60th Anniversary of the Sinking of the MV Princess Victoria

60th Anniversary of the Sinking of the MV Princess Victoria

Lodged by Alex Fergusson Standard Motion 36 supporters

The motion

That the Parliament acknowledges the anniversary of the sinking of the MV Princess Victoria, which happened on 31 January 1953; understands that, with the loss of 133 lives out of the 128 passengers and 51 crew, this was, at the time, the UK's deadliest maritime disaster since the end of the Second World War; recognises the efforts of the crews of the Portpatrick lifeboat, the Jennie Spiers, and the destroyer from Rothesay, HMS Contest, along with other vessels to assist in rescue attempts, which, it understands, were rendered impossible due to the extreme weather; notes that the MV Princess Victoria was the first purpose-built ferry of its kind to operate in British coastal waters; recognises the heroic efforts of the ship’s radio officer, David Broadfoot, who was posthumously awarded the George Cross, and the several others who were involved in the rescue operation and who were posthumously awarded the George Medal; notes that these included the Captain of the Princess Victoria, James Ferguson, who was reported to have been observed at the salute on the bridge in what is considered the classic pose of a captain going down with his ship, and commends Dumfries and Galloway Council for the commemorative events that are planned to be held on 31 January 2013, the 60th anniversary of the disaster.

Supporters (36)