New book remembers one of Ireland's most devastating maritime disasters - RMS Lusitania: The Story of a Wreck
The RMS Lusitania is one of the most historically important shipwrecks in Irish waters. The newly published book "RMS Lusitania, The Story of a wreck" discusses the historical, archaeological and cultural significance of one of the world's most important shipwrecks. The book was officially launched by Minister Josepha Madigan, Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and Minister Sean Canney, Department of Communications, Climate Action and the Environment in the Custom House on Thursday December 5th.
Expertise from Geological Survey Ireland (GSI) and the Marine Institute (MI) in collaboration with the Underwater Archaeology Unit (UAU), National Monuments Service and the National Museum of Ireland is drawn upon and combined with contributions from independent researchers, divers and a variety of specialists to give a fresh approach to the story of this wreck. The book is dedicated to all those who lost their lives on the RMS Lusitania.
A fresh approach to the story of this wreck is documented which tells of its building, its early voyages and its part in WWI. On 7th May 1915 the RMS Lusitania had almost completed a transatlantic voyage en route from New York to Liverpool when it was torpedoed by U-20. Within 18 minutes the Lusitania sank. The torpedo struck midship on the starboard side, under the bridge or just aft of it. A second explosion followed. Of the 1,960 people on board 1,193 lives were lost. Accounts from survivors and the rescue efforts that took place are documented. Rescue boats from Kinsale, Cobh and the surrounding areas assisted. Over 100 years after the event the question still remains as to what caused the second explosion.
The wreck of the Lusitania lies 11.5 nautical miles off the Old Head of Kinsale in a water depth of 93m. Diving and salvage became part of the history of this wreck since its sinking. In 1995 an Underwater Heritage Order was placed on the wreck by the then Minister for Arts, Culture and Gealtacht Michael D. Higgins to ensure its protection and preservation. The role of the UAU is to ensure its continued protection. The INFOMAR project has worked closely with the UAU in carrying out multiple surveys of the wreck since 2002 to assist in its monitoring. While it is slowly collapsing the bow of the wreck is still proud of the seabed and structural elements of the wreck are still clearly visible.
The book is a collaborative effort by the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Department of Communications, Climate Action and Environment. The book is on sale online and in bookshops nationwide priced at €20.
Press release