Tragedy recalled 70 years on

A service of remembrance is to be held to mark the 70th anniversary of the worst domestic tragedy to take place on Carlingford Lough.

Seven people died when the ‘Nautical Maid’ sunk on June 22, 1954. Local businessman Hugh O’Hare had organised a pleasure trip from Warrenpoint to Carlingford for his family and friends.

On the return journey a rope fouled the propeller, stopping the engine, and the vessel began to take water.

Faced with the strong possibility of the craft sinking, the passengers took to the water. Conditions were poor with strong winds and an ebb tide.

The only survivor, Mr Charles McDonald from Newry, later gave evidence of how he helplessly watched his seven friends succumb to the waves. Those who perished were Hugh O’Hare, his wife Masie, son Brian and sister-in-law Bernadette Cole, Frank O’Hare, boatman Ernest McManus and Josephine Keegan.

The act of remembrance is on Saturday, June 22 at 3.30pm.