Remembering the Samtampa and Edward, Prince of Wales Disaster

Speaking at an event in the Senedd today to commemorate 70 years since the SS Samtampa and Edward, Prince of Wales disaster, Rebecca said: 

This is a part of our history that we should not allow to be forgotten.
 
It is important that seventy years on, we pause and reflect on this tragedy, and remember those who lost their lives - including the eight crew of the lifeboat RNLI Edward, Prince of Wales from the Mumbles Lifeboat Station. 

The crew selflessly took to the water that night, knowing the dangers they faced, to put themselves in harms way to try and save the lives of strangers. When you pause and really think about it, it's quite amazing.

Reflecting on the disaster reminds us that the bravery, and the selflessness, of the men and women who serve in our rescue services is as important today as it was seventy years ago. 
 
Every day, men and women in our rescue services - a great many of them volunteers - stand ready, just like the crew of the Edward, Prince of Wales did - to help people in dire situations. We owe them an incredible debt of gratitude, and it is a comfort to us all to know that they are there if we need them.
 
About twelve months ago, the First Minister and I visited the Mumbles Lifeboat Station and talked with the crew. The welcome was warm, their commitment to one another was palpable, and their modesty was humbling. 
 
Lifeboat crews from Mumbles have been saving lives at sea for more than a hundred and eighty years, and this anniversary will be very poignant for them. Today is an opportunity to remember the eight crew who died that night, and a further ten who have died in the history of the station. It is also a chance to say a heartfelt 'thank you.'

The bravery and sacrifice of all those who lost their lives will not be forgotten. 

That is why I am so pleased to see so many pupils, including from my own constituency of Gower, here today - and I would like to extend a particularly warm welcome to Oystermouth Primary School, Whitestone Primary, and Ysgol Llwynderw. Croeso mawr. 

In marking this anniversary the next generation are keeping this important part of our community's history alive, and they will - I'm sure - be inspired and proud.