Sir,
On Thursday, March 17, will fall the 180th anniversary of the loss of the local packet steamer Frolic on the Nash Sands, Vale of Glamorgan, en route from Haverfordwest to Bristol via Pembroke Dock, Milford Haven and Tenby.
Of the 80 or so who perished, many came from South Pembokeshire, including the captain. 1831 may seem a very long time ago, but many of the victims are buried in the local churchyards in the vicinity of the disaster and I wish to suggest that if sufficient people are interested in making a day trip, a coach could be arranged to make the journey to Nash Point and back. I am also in contact with Trinity House about the possibility of a tour of the lighthouse.
There are, incidentally, some excellent country inns nearby for refreshment and lunch.
It was as a direct result of the loss of the paddle steamer Frolic that Trinity Houses erected two lighthouses (within a year of the catastrophe) in 1832.
Interested parties may contact me by e-mail: brian [email protected]">[email protected] or by texting 07982862671.
It has been suggested the event could be appropriately remembered by casting a wreath on the sea. For such a coastline of outstanding of natural beauty, the sea and rocks took a terrible toll of shipping over the centuries.
Brian Keitch,
Penarth