Transportation Disasters in 1953 - Aviation Accidents and Incidents in 1953, Maritime Incidents in 1953, Railway Accidents in 1953 (Paperback)

Purchase includes free access to book updates online and a free trial membership in the publisher's book club where you can select from more than a million books without charge. Chapters: Aviation Accidents and Incidents in 1953, Maritime Incidents in 1953, Railway Accidents in 1953, Mv Princess Victoria, Hms Conway, Tangiwai Disaster, Bcpa Flight 304, Uss Leyte, Uss Blower, Ss Stanbell, Uss Camanga, 1953 Mediterranean Sea Lancaster and Valetta Mid-Air Collision, Sydenham Rail Disaster, Irk Valley Junction Rail Crash, Stratford Tube Crash, akvice Train Disaster, Col Des Nuages Derailment, List of Shipwrecks in 1953. Excerpt: The MV Princess Victoria was one of the earliest roll-on/roll-off (ro-ro) ferries. Built in 1947, she operated from Stranraer to Larne. During a severe European windstorm on 31 January 1953, she sank in the North Channel with the loss of 133 lives, the deadliest maritime disaster in United Kingdom waters since World War II. Princess Victoria was built in 1947 by William Denny and Brothers, Dumbarton. She was the first purpose built ferry of her kind to operate in British coastal waters and the fourth ship to bear the name, her 1939 predecessor having been sunk during WW2 in the Humber estuary by a German mine. Although being innovative in her loading methods the vessel looked externally similar to her namesake. She could hold 1,500 passengers plus cargo and had sleeping accommodation for 54. Princess Victoria was employed by British Railways on the crossing from Stranraer in Scotland to Larne in Northern Ireland. Captained by the 55 year old James Ferguson, the vessel left Stranraer's Railway loading pier at 0745am with 44 tons of cargo, 128 passengers and 51 crew. Captain Ferguson had served as master on various ferries on the same route for 17 years. A gale warning was in force but he made the decision to put to sea. Loch Ryan is a sheltered inlet and the immediate force of the wind and sea was not ap... More: http://booksllc.net/?id=1586741