Recalling a sea tragedy as medal is discovered

Recalling a sea tragedy as medal is discovered

22 May 2013

ONE of Ireland’s worst maritime disasters was commemorated in Newcastle on Sunday with the unveiling of a plaque close to the town’s harbour.

Seventy three fishermen died on January 13, 1843, when 16 fishing vessels from Newcastle and Annalong were engulfed by a huge storm as they made their way to herring fishing grounds off the coast.

On Sunday a special plaque was unveiled at South Promenade marking the disaster which was attended by Dr. Mike King, curator of Down County Museum, politicians, local residents and members of South Down Coastguard and Newcastle RNLI.

During the event Dr. King revealed that an RNLI Silver Medal, awarded to a local man for his bravery in trying to rescue some of the fishermen, has come to light.

George Thompson, from Glasdrumman, was awarded the medal for his shore-based efforts in manning ropes and helping to save the lives of eight fishermen by pulling their boat ashore.

The medal, which is the first artefact relating to the disaster to be found, was donated to Down County Museum by a person living in England.

Still in its original presentation box with the silver band holding it, the medal is inscribed with Thompson’s name and the date he received it — February 8, 1843.

The storm led to many of the vessels capsizing and after the 73 fishermen lost their lives they left 27 widows and 100 children without fathers. After the tragedy a row of cottages was built above the harbour called Widows Row to house some of the bereaved families.

“George Thompson was on the shore and managed to pull a boat of eight men ashore and saved their lives,” said Dr. King.

“The RNLI medal has a bust of King George IV, who was patron of the RNLI at the time, on it and it also has an image of three men pulling someone out of the sea.

“Someone living in England contacted us after hearing about the commemoration and offered it to the museum. I believe it has come down through the family,” he said.

Speaking at the unveiling councillor Willie Clarke said the unveiling of this plaque is a joint effort by Down Council and the Harbour Regeneration Association in Newcastle.

“The purpose of the plaque is not just to commemorate the terrible events of January 13, 1843, but to create awareness among local people and visitors of the contribution made by the fishing industry to this area of our coast and the sacrifices made by fishermen, sailors and rescuers to this historically important local industry,” he said.

“An indication of the scale of the tragedy that happened here can be seen in the fact that this tragedy resulted in personal grief and near destitution for 27 widows, 100 dependent children and other dependent relatives.

“And this tragedy was just one of those that occurred along the County Down coast, such as the tragedy of 1814. It is worth remembering that today,” he said.

He finished by thanking members of the Harbour Regeneration Association who had campaigned for the plaque, planned and helped to organise the event, along with the RNLI who placed a wreath at sea as part of the proceedings, the Coastguard for their attendance at the event, museum staff and the Estates Department who prepared the area and event for the ceremony.

Following the ceremony proceedings moved to the Annesley Hall and a poetry reading about the disaster by P5 pupils from St. Joseph’s Primary School, Carnacaville, and P7 pupils from Annalong Primary School, along with a song written for the event and performed by local band Granite.