Articles, Maritime History, Vessels

Remember: ILV Isolda, 6 lost

isolda

Sunk by aircraft off Waterford coast, 19th December 1940

  • Dunne, P.,12 Sallynoggin Villa, Dun Laoghaire, aged 45.
  • Farrell, W., Seaman; Dun Laoghaire
  • Hayden, J.J., Fireman; Beaufort House, Dun Laoghaire, aged 37.
  • Holland, William, Steward; 7 Sussex Street, Dun Laoghaire, aged 57.
  • Rushby, William, 7 Carrigilea Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, aged 43.
  • Shortt, P.,Fireman, 37 Castle Gardens, Dun Laoghaire, aged 43.

Isolda was a lightship tender owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights and registered in Dublin. On her sides in letters five feet high were the words ‘Lighthouse Service’. At dawn on 19th December 1940 she sailed from Rosslare with relief crew for the Barrels and Coningbeg Light-ships. The relief men were placed on board Barrels and the ship then headed for the Coningbeg. When she was three miles from the lightship aircraft attacked her. Observers in the army lookout post at Carnsore Point witnessed the massacre as bombs hit the ship starting massive fires. Six men were killed and seven wounded. Next day the German High Command announced the sinking.
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