Medal King Christian Medal For Saving Life From Drowning
AssociatedAssociated with
Xenia
Date1903
Object NameMedal
Mediummetal
ClassificationsMedals
DimensionsOverall: Diameter: 4.8 cm
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS025006
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.
The rescue was reported widely and the rescuers were awarded gallantry medals by both Britain and Denmark, including James Phillips.
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