Scotland marks 90 years since the loss of the Latvian steamship Helena Faulbaums
Latvians and local residents gathered on the Isle of Luing off Scotland's west coast to remember the 15 sailors who died when the Latvian steamship Helena Faulbaums sank in a storm 90 years ago. A strong storm forced repeated changes to the commemorative programme.
This year marks 90 years since the Latvian steamship Helena Faulbaums sank in a storm off the west coast of Scotland. To mark the anniversary, commemorative events were held on the Isle of Luing, where Latvians and local residents gathered to honour the memory of those who died.
The disaster claimed the lives of 15 sailors, while four crew members managed to survive. On the anniversary, people again came together on the island to remember the tragedy, which affected Latvian shipping.
A storm during the commemoration
Symbolically, the commemorative events this time were accompanied by a strong storm. Because of the weather, organisers had to change the planned programme of the remembrance days several times. Even so, the events went ahead and the victims were honoured.
The gathering shows that the maritime disaster is still remembered both in Latvia and at the place where the ship was lost.
