OVER 200 people gathered in the Guildhall today for a special commemorative lunch hosted by the Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Alderman Hilary McClintock, marking 100 years since the sinking of the White Star liner the SS Laurentic.
The lunch was a restaging of an event held in the Guildhall in January 1917 for the 121 survivors of the tragedy, and relatives of both survivors and those who perished in the disaster heard tributes to their loved ones by the Mayor and representatives of the Irish and Royal Navy.
Speaking afterwards Mayor McClintock said: “I was delighted to welcome relatives of those on board the vessel, and to have the opportunity to remember those who lost their lives in such tragic circumstances, and their place in our local history.
“I want to thank everyone who travelled here specially for the events, and I hope it offers them the chance to reconnect with lost loved ones and to honour their memory in a fitting way.”
More than 350 people died when the Laurentic was destroyed by a mine off the coast of Donegal.
Just an hour before it had stopped off at Buncrana due to a number of cases of illness on board, before it made its way back on course to Nova Scotia with its secret cargo of gold bullion worth £300m.
Tragedy however struck as the 565ft liner hit two U-boat mines, sinking the vessel, resulting in most of the crew dying from exposure during the bitter cold January night.
The Tower Museum this week launched a new free exhibition featuring a fascinating series of artefacts salvaged from the ship, which will be on display until June 25th.
A number of talks will also take place over the coming months setting the context for the pieces on display.
February 2nd sees veteran diver Don McGlinchey give his account of the story of the Laurentic with a series of original images from the wreck.
On March 2nd diver Danny Keenan will offer an insight into the wrecks which scatter Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly.
Finally on 6th April, Ronan McConnell, will deliver a hands on session allowing the public to see original objects from the Laurentic up close.
Complementing the exhibition will be a special education programme delivered in conjunction with the Nerve Centre.
Schools are invited to participate in interactive ipad sessions, followed by a tour of the exhibition itself. For information please contact Niall Kerr, Nerve Centre, for more details. [email protected] or phone 028 7126 0562.
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