Prince Ivanhoe

Last Updated on Wednesday, 19 January 2011 14:45

1981 – The Prince Ivanhoe (formerly the Shanklin) was a 989 ton pleasure cruise ship which sailed from Swansea during the summer months, taking holiday makers and sight-seers on short cruises along the Bristol Channel.   She ran into trouble on the afternoon of Monday 3rd August 1981.   Carrying over 400 passengers, the ship sailed too close to Port Eynon Point and struck a submerged object which ripped a 25 metre gash in the port side of the hull.   Taking on water fast, the Captain was quick to realise the seriousness of the situation and grounded the ship at Horton.   With little wind and calm seas all passengers and crew were brought ashore safely.  Unfortunately, due to the commotion, two passengers suffered heart attacks whilst recovering on the beach and one pensioner was pronounced dead on arrival at the local hospital.   Abandoned by her underwriters the remains of the Prince Ivanhoe proved to be hazardous to shipping - and more particularly to the launching of the Horton ILB. The site was marked by buoys until 2008. (Ref. 052)