A COMMEMORATIVE plaque has been commissioned to remember those who tragically lost their lives in Penmaenpool half a century ago.

In July, a poignant event will take place to remember the 15 people, including four children, who were involved in a boat catastrophe along the Mawddach Estuary five decades ago.

The victims drowned after The Prince of Wales ferry hit the area’s iconic toll bridge as it was nearing the end of its pleasure trip from Barmouth on 22 July, 1966.

Thirty-nine people were on board the ferry for the eight-mile trip but as the skipper tried to manoeuvre the boat to the hotel jetty, the vessel was washed into the wooden toll bridge and sank.

In December, Dolgellau town council announced it would hold an official 50th Remembrance Service at 11.50am on 22 July to mark the tragedy.

As part of the memorial service a new plaque will be unveiled near the Penmaenpool Signal Box, overlooking the scene of the tragedy.

See the full story in this week’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News