“The Fethard Life-Boat Crew (II)”
Description
Schooner Mexico strikes Keeragh Rock. Nine of the life-boat crew are lost but Kelly reaches Mexico and gets a line to those that reach the rocks. Mexico crew is hauled to shore. One dies "from cold and exposure" before they are rescued three days later.
Notes
February 20, 1914: "Nine members of the Fethard lifeboat were drowned when going to the assistance of the Norwegian steamer _Mexico_.... Eight of the Mexico's crew were saved by the five lifeboat survivors. All but one of the stranded survivors were saved with great difficulty the next day." (source: Bourke in _Shipwrecks of the Irish Coast_ v1, pp. 52-53) - BS
We note that at least four poems were written about this disaster (see the cross-references); one suspects a campaign to raise money for someone's family. - RBW
Historical references
- Feb 20-21, 1914 - The Mexico wreck
Cross references
- cf. "The Mexico" (subject) and references there
References
- Ranson, pp. 58-59, "The Fethard Life-Boat Crew" (1 text)
- BI, Ran058