On this day (5th April) WW1 Shipwreckollections

SS Cyrene 1888-1918

British cargo vessel SS Cyrene was built in 1888 by Short Brothers Ltd., Sunderland and was owned at the time of her loss by Coupland W. & Co., Newcastle-Upon-Tyne.

On 5 April 1918, the steamer of 2,904 tonnes was travelling on a voyage from Tyne to Blaye with a cargo of coal when she was torpedoed without warning and sunk by a German U-boat under the command of Kurt Siewert. At the time of the attack, the Cyrene was 15 miles north of Bardsey Island, Caernarvon Bay.

Sadly, 24 of those on board lost their lives.

The Shipwrecked Mariners’ Society has offered assistance for fishermen and mariners in need since 1839. The maritime charity provides help for mariners, retired seafarers and their dependants, through financial help including welfare grants, as well as assistance and support.

Photo credit: wrecksite.eu