On July 31 1966, whilst the nation celebrated World Cup glory, there occurred one of the worst British sea tragedies of modern times. The pleasure cruiser Darlwyne was lost off the Cornish coast with all 31 men, women and children on board.

In a compelling talk at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth on October 5, author Martin Banks will tell this tragic story through photographs and newsreel footage. Despite a massive air and sea search, the boat was never found and the lecture will also explore the mystery of the Darlwyne’s final resting place.

Senior curator Tehmina Goskar says: “This talk is part of a new programme of lectures covering a range of maritime and historic topics. It is just these sorts of forgotten Cornish stories that we are keen to cover and we also have plans to mark the 50th anniversary of the tragedy next year.”

The talk, entitled Mysterious Loss of the Darlwyne is from 12 noon on Monday October 5 at the National Maritime Museum Cornwall in Falmouth. Tickets costs £7 and include a 10% discount in the Museum’s cafe. To book your place please call 01326 214546.