The Port Eynon History Group is preparing a special exhibition to commemorate the sinking of the passenger vessel MV Prince Ivanhoe in Port Eynon Bay in August, 1981.
On August 3, 1981, more than 400 passengers were out at sea when the vessel hit an unseen underwater object, tearing a 60-feet gash in her hull.
With the ship taking on water, the captain decided to turn to shore, landing the ship in shallow water around 75 yards from the beach.
Help quickly arrived, with lifeboats and helicopters transporting passengers and crew onto the beach, although one passenger later died after collapsing.
The History Group is particularly keen to hear from anyone who was on board the Prince Ivanhoe when it sank on August 3, 1981.
The group has also managed to get interviews with coastguard personnel, lifeboat crews, and eyewitnesses who saw events unfold from the shore.
In preparation for the exhibition, the history group have interviewed coastguards, lifeboat crews and eye-witnesses who watched the events unfold.
However, a key perspective missing is that of the people on board, the group has said, as they want to see other points of view to compile a complete the picture of the ordeal.
The individual’s firsthand memories, from the moment of impact to the final rescue, would be invaluable in helping tell the full story, the group has said.
The exhibition will include personal accounts, photographs, and archive material, including a report from the Coastguard’s 1981 quarterly journal.
The exhibition will be held over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend.
Anyone who wants to submit their experiences can reach the group at porteynonhistory@gmail.com.
