Crew of the Xenia
AssociatedAssociated with
Xenia
PhotographerPossibly
V C Banish
Date1903
Object NamePhotograph
Mediumpaper
ClassificationsShipping
DimensionsOverall: Height: 48 cm, Width: 41.5 cm
LocationOn Display - Aberdeen Maritime Museum
Object numberABDMS025005
About MeThe SS Xenia with a crew of 24 was wrecked on the Skares off Whinnyfold on 1st February 1903. The weather at the time was atrocious, blowing a gale, crashing waves and driving snow. A group of local fishermen set out in a fishing boat to rescue those onboard some of whom had taken to lifeboats, one of which had been swamped as soon as it was launched. The Whinnyfold men managed to take the remaining lifeboats safely back to shore before setting out again in one of the lifeboats to rescue the captain and four crew members who were still onboard the Xenia. All the survivors were taken in by local families at Whinnyfold where they remained for some time before being repatriated to Denmark. On their return home the crew had a photograph taken and inscribed with a message of thanks which they sent to the families at Whinnyfold.
“The crew of the ss xenia rescued through the gallantry and courage of the whinneyfolds fishermen and the hospitality of their wives and daughters send this as a small token of their gratitude and esteem"
The rescue was reported widely and the rescuers were awarded gallantry medals by both Britain and Denmark, including to James Phillips.
Exhibitions
Arthur Eric Rowton Gill
Aberdeen Newcastle & Hull Steam Navigation Co Ltd.
c.1937
