Liverpool, UK – Twelve survivors of the fateful collision between the Kincora and the formidable Oceanic have arrived in Liverpool, a city that most of them call home. Their arrival brings with it a tale of maritime disaster, resilience, and the haunting memory of a vessel’s rapid descent into the unforgiving depths of the Irish Channel.
According to the survivors, the Kincora met its tragic end in a mere seven minutes after a cataclysmic collision, one that sent shockwaves throughout the seafaring community. The collision was a result of the Oceanic’s immense size and force, causing the plates of the smaller vessel to tear and crash, sealing the fate of the Kincora.
The fact that twelve souls managed to escape the clutches of the merciless sea amidst such chaos is nothing short of a remarkable feat. Among these survivors are key members of the Kincora’s crew, including the master, first officer, second officer, first engineer, second engineer, quartermaster, multiple crew members, a donkeyman, and a steward. Additionally, two stowaways, who had embarked on a perilous journey of their own, found themselves amongst the fortunate survivors.
Tragically, the Kincora also claimed the lives of several crew members in the unforgiving waters of the Irish Channel. The toll of those lost in the calamity includes a steward, a stoker, two residents of Limerick, and a Dutchman, their names now etched in the annals of maritime tragedy.
Among those hailing from Limerick who perished in the Kincora tragedy were D. Falvey, a dedicated stoker, and A. McNamara and J. Collins, residents of the close-knit community of Limerick, whose loss leaves a void that will be deeply felt. P. Enright, a trimmer from Limerick, also met his untimely end in the devastating incident, further underscoring the profound impact this tragedy has had on the local community.
As these survivors gather in Liverpool to share their harrowing experiences and mourn the loss of their colleagues, their stories serve as a poignant reminder of the ever-present dangers that accompany life at sea. Their survival is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the unwavering determination of those who defy the odds in the face of maritime adversity. The memory of the Kincora tragedy will continue to echo through the lives of those it touched, a sombre reminder of the price paid for braving the unpredictable waters of the Irish Channel.
Belfast News-Letter – Saturday 10 August 1901
