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Laurentic disaster remembered 100
years on
19.01.17
THE sinking of the
White Star liner SS Laurentic with the loss of 350
lives off the coast of Donegal will be marked next
week with the launch of a special exhibition in
Derry.
The Mayor of the city Hilary McClintock will join
relatives of the crew and members of the public for
a special lunch and service of rememberance for the
dead ahead of the launch of the unique display, to
run for six months at the Tower Museum.
The Laurentic was destroyed by a mine off the coast
of Donegal on January 25, 2017. Just an hour before
it had stopped off at Buncrana due to a number of
cases of illness on board, before making its way
back on course to Nova Scotia. |
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The White Star liner SS Laurentic
which sank off the Donegal coast in 1917. |
Tragedy struck as the
565ft liner hit two U-boat mines, sinking the vessel
and resulting in most of the crew dying from
exposure during the bitter cold winter night.
“The sinking of the Laurentic is a significant event
in the maritime history of the North West and one
which should be documented and remembered," said
Cllr McClintock.
"The fact that there are so many memories of the
tragedy passed down through families and that
artefacts held privately for years have now been
loaned to the museum for the exhibition makes its
story all the more compelling."
In the days following the disaster, survivors were
brought to Derry and cared for by local people
before they could be transported home.
All these local stories and connections to the
tragedy will now be remembered on the 100 year
anniversary of the event. The fact the ship was
secretly carrying £300m in gold bullion only adds to
the mystique of the ill-fated vessel. More details
about the Laurentic exhibition and to reserve a
place at Friday’s commemorative lunch please contact
the Mayor’s Office on 048 71376508. Spaces are
limited so please book early to avoid
disappointment. |
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