Anniversary of maritime disaster

A NEW exhibition exploring the tales behind one of the Isles of Scilly's most infamous shipwrecks is to open next month.

- ATHWENNA IRONS [e-mail]

Referred to as 'the Victorian Titanic, the tragic sinking of the luxury German Liner SS Schiller off Scilly's Bishop Rock lighthouse in 1875 is considered one of the worst maritime disasters in British history.

Now 150 years on, the Isles of Scilly Museum Association will host three days of commemorative and educational events dedicated to the wreck, but also the island's vast historical maritime tales. Scilly has over 1,000 shipwrecks, giving it the highest concentration of wrecks in the British Isles.

Taking place from Thursday, May 8 to Saturday, May 10, a new display in the 'Schiller Shelter' - located on Porthcressa Beach beside the Tourist Information Centre will tell story of the sinking of the Schiller, the appalling loss of life involved in the disaster, and the role played by the people of the islands in rescuing survivors from the stricken liner.

A significant collection of arte facts, now owned by the museum, will also be on display.