13. Capsized in the Solent

Based on his book ‘Capsized in the Solent’, author and historian Richard M Jones explores the 1972 SRN6-12 hovercraft disaster and dramatic rescue operation involving air and sea units from miles around.

On 4th March 1972, a hovercraft capsized in stormy weather on a voyage from the Isle of Wight to Southsea. Five passengers were killed, but in a dramatic rescue operation involving air and sea units from miles around, the twenty-two others on board were rescued.

Richard will tell you the forgotten story of the capsizing of SRN6-012, the heroes who rose that day to save the survivors, and the investigation that followed.

As always, this is told with great respect to those who were impacted…

Visitors can speak to the author of the only book on this disaster, with the opportunity to purchase a signed book at the end.

Richard Jones has dedicated his life to researching shipwrecks and other historic disasters that history may have overlooked. Over 30 years of research has resulted in an extensive archive of shipwrecks, 24 published books, 19 successful memorial campaigns, and more books due this year.

Please arrive 10 minutes before the start time to get comfortably seated in the Roberts Room.

Duration approx 60 mins.

Please arrive at least 10 minutes before the start time to get seated and comfy. The venue offers a lovely Cafe and a small shop area stocking items from local makers.

Booking OPENS on 23 Aug at 0930

Advance Registration required: Limited spaces. You may book up to 4 tickets per booking.

To complete your registration, you will need your name, contact telephone number, email, post code

Please complete registration within 10:00 minutes. After this, the reservation we're holding will be released to others.

Accessibility: Full wheelchair access. For full accessibility options and facilities available, please go to https://www.gosportheritage.co.uk/capsized-in-the-solent-2025/