Beautiful coastline belies human tragedy

SPARE a thought this holiday weekend, if you will, as you enjoy the glorious South West coastal regions, for the victims of Cornwall’s, arguably most tragic, maritime disaster of the mid-19th century.

In the West Country Diaspora of 1855, almost 300 people, including 19 crew and 16 infants, bade a final farewell to their homes and families – from Shaldon, Swimbridge, South Molton, St Ives, they came – having booked their passage out of Britain aboard the sailing barque, John.

They made their way to Plymouth docks – an adventure in itself – to board the wooden vessel which would carry them down the south coast of Cornwall, around the

Lizard and Land’s End, across the wide open Atlantic Ocean, heading for Quebec. Sea conditions were favourable as they set sail from Plymouth Sound, rounding Rame Head on the 3rd of May. As they reached Falmouth Bay later that evening, the notorious manacle reef loomed. Despite voicing concerns to the crew, the alarmed passengers, could see their boat sailing too close to the rocks. One passenger queried why he could not see the Lizard light. He was rebuked with a “you will see it soon enough” from one of the sailors. By keeping sight of the Lizard light, you were better placed to avoid the treacherous coast line.

The passenger’s fears were realised with a terrifying grinding sound, as the rocks pierced the bottom of the boat. In desperation the men helped their wives and children up into the rigging. Alas, the rigging collapsed... Obviously, those travelling alone had a much better chance of survival. Large families aboard faced heart breaking dilemmas. Curiously, the Captain delayed his decision to launch the John’s inadequate and not-fit-forpurpose supply of lifeboats.

Local fishermen, on learning of the incident, rowed out the short distance to the rapidly submerging vessel only for the rescue mission to be shockingly dominated by the survival needs of the Captain and the Barque John’s crew. The vulnerable passengers were left to fend for themselves, and 194 people died that night. They hadn’t even left the shores of Cornwall.

If you are interested in this story, do pop along to St Keverne Churchyard and spot the poignant small slate memorial to the passengers of the John. You will find also other memorials to ships that have floundered off the nearby coast. The St Keverne local history group website offers lots of information. Our beautiful coastline belies much human tragedy.

Nicola Wills Wadebridge and District Museum