The Larne Stranraer ferry Princess Victoria was travelling to Larne during the great storm of 1953 when the rough seas crashed through her stern doors and flooded her car deck. The crew, with the assistance of some passengers, attempted to close the doors but they were so badly badly damaged they could not be closed. Despite valient efforts to keep the vessel afloat and reach Larne after a period of four hours the ship sank near the Copeland Islands off the Donaghadee Coast. 135 people died including all the women and children on board. 44 men were rescued. The names of all those people who lost their lives in this tragic incident are on the Princess Victoria memorial at Chaine Memorial Road in Larne.
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