On Friday 24 January, at 11am, Donaghadee Library plays host to local author Stephen Cameron whose recently published book Death in the North Channel recalls the horrific events of January 31^st 1953 when the Princess Victoria sank off the Copeland Islands in violent storms. Of 179 passengers and crew only 44 survived. Every woman and child on board perished.

The tragedy was, and remains, the worst maritime disaster in British waters. Donaghadee was at the centre of the heartbreaking events with the lifeboat, under the command of Hugh Nelson and his crew, saving 33 of the 44 survivors. The Imperial Hotel, long since demolished, served as a temporary refuge for the survivors.

Branch Library Manager Joanne Roberts expects a large audience for the talk:

Stephen, whose book Titanic: Belfast’s Own, continues to attract healthy sales, lives in Bangor and until retirement was Station Commander in Bangor Fire Station. In researching his latest book he had access to transcripts of the messages sent from the distressed Princess Victoria to the shore. He also spent many hours interviewing survivors and the relatives of those who lost their lives on that fateful night.

Everyone is welcome to the talk which is preceded by refreshments.