Penmaenpool Memorial Service

MS attends Penmaenpool disaster 60th anniversary memorial

Siân Gwenllian MS today attended the memorial service at Penmaenpool marking the 60th anniversary of the Prince of Wales Pleasure Boat Disaster.

Elected in May as one of Plaid Cymru's four Senedd Members for the new Gwynedd Maldwyn constituency, which includes the Dolgellau area, Siân attended the service alongside local residents and representatives to pay tribute to those who lost their lives and those who carried out the rescue.

On 22 July 1966, the Prince of Wales pleasure boat struck Penmaenpool toll bridge near Dolgellau as it neared the end of its journey from Barmouth. There were 42 people on board, and 15 people tragically lost their lives.

The service, organised by Dolgellau Town Council, included the unveiling of a new memorial recognising the local men and women who risked their own lives to rescue the 28 passengers and crew who survived. A poem specially written by Huw Dylan Owen was read during the ceremony, alongside musical performances, prayers and the laying of a wreath.

Following the service, Siân Gwenllian MS said:

"Today marks 60 years since the Prince of Wales Pleasure Boat Disaster at Penmaenpool, near Dolgellau. I have a child's memory of the incident, as I was a young girl at the time, and my family had just moved from the Dolgellau area.

"On 22 July 1966, the Prince of Wales was nearing the end of its journey from Barmouth when it struck the toll bridge at Penmaenpool. There were 42 people on board, and tragically, 15 lost their lives.

"I would like to express my heartfelt thanks to Dolgellau Town Council for organising today's memorial service to mark the 60th anniversary of the disaster.

"While a plaque was unveiled in 2016 in memory of the 15 people who lost their lives, the local men and women who rushed to the scene to help had never been formally recognised. I am pleased that the Town Council has shone a light on them, and I was honoured to attend today's unveiling ceremony recognising their courage."