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UNIÓN NÚMERO 1

  1. Name: Unión Número 1
  2. Type of vessel: fishing, trawler
  3. Flag: Spain
  4. Date of sinking: 26 November 1908
  5. Cause: grounding
  6. Location: Pena das Ánimas, A Coruña
  7. Diving level: basic
  8. GALP territory: Gulf of Artabro

HISTORY

One of the greatest maritime tragedies of the estuary of A Coruña

The shipwreck of the Unión Número 1 occurred at two o’clock in the morning, in rough seas and thick fog. According to the papers, its bow went over the Pena das Animas shallows as it was leaving the port on its way to the fishing grounds. With the collision, the hull opened, allowing water to enter and killing all those it caught below deck.

With the propeller smashed by the blows and the ship settled on the rock, there was nothing left to do. They sent out signals for help with the foghorn, but their sound was confused with that of the other fishing boats leaving the port at that time of day.

The only lifeboat was destroyed as soon as it hit the water.

Several crew members, in desperation, opted to jump into the water, immediately drowning. The rest of the crew headed for the masts, the only safe place, and there they remained for several hours until fatigue and the cold made them disappear one by one.

Only the cabin boy survived, perched on the foremast from where he was rescued the next morning by a boat from the city.

The tragedy was completed in just four hours.

GALLERY