Page 62 - Greystones Archaeological Historical Society

THE ACCIDENT THAT TIME FORGOT

‘The Loss of the Princess Victoria was caused by the fault of
the owners (the British Transport Commission) and the
managers’

citing two principal reasons:

‘the inadequacy of the stern doors which yielded under
pressure from the sea and the inadequacy of the clearing
arrangements for the water which accumulated on the car
deck resulting in the list to starboard which caused the ship
to capsize and sink.’

Many experts pointed out that the design was flawed and
highlighted the free water effect of un-cleared water on the car
deck which caused the ship to list and ultimately destabilised her.
But the ship’s previous accident history was not raised nor
mentioned.

The report absolved the builders, and Lloyd’s Register of
Shipping which had declared her seaworthy, from any
responsibility. However it was noticed that some of the deceased
had been killed by their lifejackets which had pushed up into their
necks when they dived into the sea as they had not held them
down with their hands to prevent this occurring and it was agreed
that new instructions for their use would be issued.

Compensation

Lump sum compensation was paid to the dependants of
those lost on the M.V. Princess Victoria. This varied from
claimant to claimant. The sums awarded were:

• £4500 for the loss of a husband

• £1200 for the loss of a son

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