AN unsung hero of the Penmaenpool boat tragedy in 1966 has said that he would love to know what happened to the two boys he saved 50 years ago.

Ron Davies, 82, formerly of Bontddu and now living in Dyffryn Ardudwy, is still haunted by the tragedy and said that he wished that he could have done more at the time.

On 22 July 1966, the Prince of Wales pleasure boat hit Penmaenpool bridge, throwing 42 people into the water, killing 15.

Ron said: “I was working for the Dolgellau Rural District Council and with my friend Emlyn we were renovating the Station House in Penmaenpool, which the council had purchased from the railway.

“I was replacing an upstairs window and could see the pleasure boat arriving at Penmaenpool. The pleasure boats used to make regular trips upstream to the George II Hotel.

“I noticed that the boat was a bit late in turning to come into the jetty against the tide and then it hit the bridge and sank.

“There was very little time to get hold of anything and many people were washed upstream.

“Emlyn managed to get a rope and I went into the water and got a boy aged seven or eight out and carried him ashore. I then went back and saved another boy about the same age and handed him to other people.

“I don’t know their names, have heard nothing, but would love to know how they are today, and hopefully they will be at the 50 years’ remembrance service on Friday.”

The remembrance service takes place at Penmaenpool on Friday at 11.30am.

See the full story in today’s Meirionnydd edition of the Cambrian News