Displaying items by tag: Dunkirk Evacuation

27th March 2023

Exhibition in Isle of Man to Commemorate Loss of Mona's Queen During Dunkirk's Operation Dynamo

An exhibition about the Isle of Man Steam Packet's passenger steamer Mona's Queen which was lost at Dunkirk in northern France during WW 2 is to take place on 22nd May.

The exhibition writes EnergyFM, is to commemorate the Mona's Queen which on May 29th 1940, was struck by a German mine on the way into Dunkirk to help with Operation Dynamo.

Of the vessel's 24 crew who died, seventeen were from the Isle of Man.

For two weeks the exhibition display will take place in the south-west of the island at Port St Mary's (Town Hall) where as Afloat reported, two cruise ships are to call offshore this season as part of a record year.

The story of the Mona's Queen (III) which was built by Cammell Laird, Birkenhead in 1934 will be told through exhibits of launch photos from the Merseyside shipyard, original plans for the ship, apprentices model, original tableware and the ship's pennants.

There will also be a video of the wreck today. Next month, a dive team from the Isle of Man will be travelling to Dunkirk to photograph and video the Mona’s Queen wreck.

Also to be on display at Port St. Mary will be the stories of other Steam Packet ships and their crews.

Published in Isle of Man

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About the Loughs Agency

The Loughs Agency is a governmental body established under the 1998 Agreement between the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the Government of Ireland. The Agency's goal is to provide sustainable social, economic, and environmental benefits by effectively conserving, managing, promoting, and developing the fisheries and marine resources of the Foyle and Carlingford areas.

The Agency's governing legislation confers several specific functions, including the promotion of development of Lough Foyle and Carlingford Lough for commercial and recreational purposes in respect of marine, fishery, and aquaculture matters. Moreover, the Agency is responsible for managing, conserving, protecting, improving, and developing the inland fisheries of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Additionally, the Agency has the task of developing and licensing aquaculture, as well as the development of marine tourism.

The Loughs Agency reports to the North South Ministerial Council and its government Sponsor Departments, the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) in Northern Ireland, and the Department of the Environment, Climate, and Communications (DECC) in Ireland. The Departments fund the Agency on an equal basis.

The Loughs Agency's focus on sustainable development is expected to have a positive impact on the economy, environment, and local communities in the Foyle and Carlingford areas. The Agency's efforts to conserve and enhance the region's marine resources, including fisheries and aquaculture, are expected to benefit local communities, promote tourism, and contribute to economic growth.

In conclusion, the Loughs Agency plays a vital role in promoting the sustainable social, economic, and environmental development of the Foyle and Carlingford areas. Its work on marine conservation and development is crucial in ensuring the long-term viability of the region's natural resources and in promoting sustainable economic growth.