The last surviving witness to the Princess Victoria ferry disaster more than 60 years ago has died.
Billy McAllister, from Larne in Co Antrim, was a pantry boy in the crew of the ill-fated Larne-Stranraer ferry when it sank in huge seas after leaving Scotland in January 1953.
He was one of only 44 people known to have survived the tragedy after he was rescued by the crew of Donaghadee’s RNLI lifeboat, the Sir Samuel Kelly.
A total of 133 lives were lost in the tragedy, which at the time was the deadliest maritime disaster in UK waters since World War II.
Mr McAllister passed away on Friday, July 28 at the age of 84.
The last member of the Sir Samuel Kelly’s crew, Hugh Nelson, who was from Donaghadee, died in April at the age of 84.
Len White, who was also living in Larne and who was second officer aboard the Princess Victoria, lost his life in an attempt to save the woman and children.
He was in command of a ship’s lifeboat which was dashed against the hull of the stricken ferry. His daughter Sue now lives in Wexford.
Ken Walsh, chairman of Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company, said the group was "greatly saddened to learn of the death of Billy McAllister who we believe to be the last of the survivors from the Princess Victoria tragedy in 1953.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to his family and friends," he said.
He added: "The last link to this historic maritime tragedy has now been broken and the task of putting in place a fitting memorial to the 133 people who lost their lives, and the RNLI crew of Donaghadee's Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat, who risked their lives to rescue them, has never been more important.
"The Sir Samuel Kelly Lifeboat, which is currently in our care in Donaghadee, must be preserved and given a proud home in the town for the education of generations to come. We are making significant progress with this task and enjoy the support of many who were touched by these terrible events".
