Peter Watts has revisited the picturesque Mawddach Estuary in Gwynedd, 60 years after a devastating pleasure boat accident claimed the lives of 15 people, including his entire family. On 22 July 1966, the Prince of Wales vessel, carrying holidaymakers on a trip from Barmouth, sank after colliding with the Penmaenpool toll bridge, an event that deeply shocked the nation and left Mr Watts, then aged 14, as the sole surviving member of his immediate family.
Mr Watts' nine-year-old sister Angela, 10-year-old brother David, mother Doreen, and father Frederick George were among those who perished. He recalled waiting for hours for his family to return, only to learn of the tragedy from strangers at the harbour. The incident, which occurred just after 11 am, saw 27 passengers rescued by local residents, but 15 could not be saved, including four children.
An official Board of Trade inquiry into the disaster revealed critical safety failings. The Prince of Wales was found to be carrying 42 passengers, six more than its certified maximum of 36. Furthermore, the vessel, which should have had two crew members, was operated solely by 73-year-old skipper Edward Llewelyn, who was found to have acted negligently. The inquiry also highlighted a shortage of lifebelts and improperly stowed buoyancy apparatus. While Llewelyn was ordered to pay £100 towards inquiry costs, no criminal prosecutions were brought.
Despite the lack of prosecutions, the tragedy had a lasting impact on maritime safety legislation in the United Kingdom. The findings of the inquiry led directly to significant amendments in laws governing passenger boat insurance requirements and the strict enforcement of passenger capacity limits. These changes were designed to prevent similar incidents and enhance safety standards for pleasure craft operating in UK waters.
For Peter Watts, now 74, the estuary remains a place of profound significance, drawing him back repeatedly over the decades. He expressed a deep desire for the 15 victims to be remembered. The recent unveiling of a memorial plaque by Dolgellau Town Council, marking the 60th anniversary, ensures that the names of those who lost their lives on that tragic day are permanently commemorated, fulfilling Mr Watts' wish.