A huge storm was the reason that the two landing crafts LCG15 and LCG16 sank in April 1943 offshore Pembrokeshire.
Name Dive Site: | Landing Crafts LCG15 & LCG16 |
Inserted/Added by: | divepembrokeshire |
Rated: | Rated not yet |
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Seventy nine people died as the two landing crafts (LCG15 and LCG16) coming from Holyhead sank in gale force winds on 25th April 1943, off the Pembrokeshire coast at St Ann's Head. On their journey they asked permission to enter Fishguard harbour to shelter from the storm, but were refused permission. They continuing towards Milford Haven and headed straight into the south westerly gale force winds. The craft began taking on water faster that the pumps could handle. Upon reaching St Ann's head they radio-ed for help. The coastguard called the Angle lifeboat but were told that it was out of commission. Six hours went by before the St David's lifeboat was eventually called out. It took them two and a half hours to reach the crafts, by which time it was dark and nothing could be done. The two craft separated and the LCG15 sank.
The HMS Rosemary was also on her way, and upon reaching the LCG16 launched her lifeboat. The six men on board were killed trying to rescue them, as the lifeboat overturned in rough seas. The LCG16 soon sank herself with all loss of life. The bodies were washed ashore in Freshwater Bay, some of the bodies were still warm. The people on the shore tried to resuscitate them, but failed. There were six bodies still left on the wreck and the site since has been classed as a war grave. The design of the vessel was said to be at fault and was changed after the accident, the original design went missing.
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