The Great Storm of 1953
The storm that hit Scotland on 31st January and 1st February 1953 was the worst in living memory. England and the Netherlands were also badly affected, with much loss of life. The Princess Victoria, the ferry sailing between Stranraer in south west Scotland and Larne in Northern Ireland sank with the loss of 133 lives and only 41 survivors. Rescue attempts were hampered by hurricane force winds and blinding squalls of sleet. David Broadfoot, the radio operator was posthumously awarded the George Cross for staying at his post until the ship sank within sight of the Irish coast.