Victims’ grave gets cleaned up ahead of disaster anniversary
VOLUNTEERS have been busy cleaning the grave of 12 of the crewmen who lost their lives when the SS Samtampa was dashed on the rocks at Sker Point almost 70 years ago.
As well as cleaning, the volunteers from Porthcawl Shout Forum (PSF) have also hired masons to carry out repairs on the grave.
The Samtampa disaster happened on the coast of Porthcawl on April 23, 1947. It was made all the worse because another vessel, the Edward Prince of Wales lifeboat, also lost eight crew that night when it was also dashed on the same rocks at Sker Point.
Due to a storm that night, with hurricaneforce winds, a total of 47 people lost their lives. This was the greatest loss of civilian life off the Welsh coast in modern times.
The disaster was world news and PSF claims it needs to be recognised as part of Porthcawl and Wales’ maritime heritage.
PSF is trying to increase awareness by helping commemorate the 70th anniversary by holding a two-week exhibition at the Senedd in Cardiff from April 24 to May 8, which will then move to the Waterfront Museum in Swansea for six weeks.
According to the forum, this is the largest community project it has ever attempted and it has First Minister Carwyn Jones’ support as patron. He will also sponsor the commemoration day on May 3 at the Senedd.
As there are fewer people who can remember the disaster, the group is aiming to inform and involve young people. To do this they have been working with schools in Mumbles and Middlesbrough, where most of the victims were from. Pupils from these schools will be performing at the Senedd alongside Bridgend College drama students, Porthcawl U3A, folk singers and Nottage School in events that will include story telling, poetry and personal recollections from those involved at the time.