The Laurentic Tradgedy
Mention the name Laurentic and ears prick up in maritime history circles and diving fraternities. So many stories and myths have been told and written about this particular ship that she has acquired almost legendary status. The truth is that what was initially a huge marine disaster involving tremendous loss of life and human suffering eventually became a benchmark for courage, tenacity, skill and daring in man’s battle with the elements. The reason was easy to explain - the ship was carrying a fortune in the form of over 3211 bars of gold when she was sunk! At today’s rate this would have been worth over $3 Billion.
A Press Association correspondent wired at the time:
"The White Star Liner Laurentic, which had been taken over by the Admiralty as an auxiliary ship, left on Thursday. The weather was fine but intensely cold. Within an hour-and-a-half or thereabouts the liner struck a mine and sank in three-quarters of an hour. Of the crew of about 475, something like 125 have been saved. Many of those lost were killed by the explosion. Perfect order prevailed throughout, the crew responding to the officers’ orders with precision and loyalty."
100 Bodies Washed Ashore - reported by an Ulster correspondent
"Already close on 100 dead bodies have been washed ashore and from their frozen condition there is practically no hope of any of the crew who might have been able to get clear of the sinking ship on rafts or by clinging to wreckage, having survived the very inclement weather. It is now understood that some 50 of the survivors are suffering from wounds."
A Nation Mournes its Dead - The funeral was the largest ever seen in Buncrana. It started at eleven o’clock from the pier where the survivors and victims were first landed. Some school children were excused lessons to watch the procession wind slowly along the four-mile road to Fahan graveyard, where 68 of the 354 dead were buried.
"We own Laurentic" - An account of this terrible tragedy can be read in the 22 page booklet in the share presentation pack when you purchase a Laurentic Share.
To watch an under water film of the Laurentic Wreck Click Here
There remain 20 gold ingots in the wreck lying Lough Swilly in County Donegal worth an estimated £10m