A SPECIAL committee is being assembled to organise a memorial service for those who tragically lost their lives in Penmaenpool 50 years ago.

In July, a poignant event will take place to remember the 15 people, including four children, who were involved in a boat catastrophe along the Mawddach estuary five decades ago.

The victims drowned after The Prince of Wales ferry hit the area’s iconic toll bridge as it was nearing the end of its pleasure trip from Barmouth on 22 July 1966.

Thirty-nine people were on board the ferry for the eight-mile trip but as the skipper tried to manoeuvre the boat to the hotel jetty, the vessel was washed into the wooden toll bridge and sank.

The passengers were thrown into the fast-running incoming tide with inevitable fatalities.

A remembrance service was held to remember the victims 40 years on in 2006.

In december, Dolgellau town council announced it would hold an official 50th Remembrance Service at 11.50am on 22 July 2006 to mark the tragedy.

In order for the event to be properly organised, the town council discussed establishing a special committee involving all relevant parties to ensure the tragic occurrence is remembered in the correct fashion.

As well as several Dolgellau town councillors, the committee is expected to include representatives from other local councils, the county council, Barmouth, Penmaenpool, and possibly even one Dolgellau resident who was involved with the actual rescue attempt.

Dolgellau councillor Ywain Myfyr was keen to get something sorted as soon as possible.

“It will a very busy year this year,” he said at this month’s town council meeting. This event will be very high profile, especially when you consider the Aberfan tragedy which also occurred fifty years ago.

“It’s essential we sort this out as soon as possible> Dolgellau council will need to take the lead on this.”

The council hopes the first committee meeting will take place by the end of January.