Over 50 spectators – including members of the Government and the House of Lords – were thrown into Bembridge Harbour when a jetty collapsed during the village’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations on 22nd August 1959.
The spectators had been watching a greasy pole competition – the final event of the day – when the connecting bridge between the Sailing Club’s jetty and floating pontoon crashed into the sea.
Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt although several had to receive attention for cuts and bruises.
Lifeguards first helped the non-swimmers before diving into the sea bed to retrieve personal effects, such as purses, watches and binoculars.
1 aristocratic family thrown into the water were Earl St Aldwyn (Government Chief Whip in the House of Lords), Countess St Aldwyn and their 3 sons, including Viscount Quenington, heir to the title.
Viscount and Viscountess Vaughan also fell into the sea, together with their young daughter. A further titled aristocrat – Lady Victoria Bonham – suffered the same unfortunate fate.
Portsmouth Evening Post 24th August 1959
A intresting article ,please put more up
“Bembridge Harbour ” was that a four warning of things to come
Best “news” I’ve read all day!!
Not sure about the date (1959?) Dress of the spectators suggests more like 1929 or possibly even earlier.