Just before Christmas in 1917, the worst tragedy to befall Waterford in the 20th century happened when the steamships SS Formby and the SS Coningbeg were torpedoed off the Irish coast within two days of each other with all hands lost. Of the 83 people killed, 67 of them were from Waterford.
Both ships were operated by the Clyde Shipping Company and when they didn't show up at the appointed time, families of the crew gathered at the company’s offices looking for news. It wouldn't be until after Christmas that the tragic news of the sinking of the two ships was confirmed.
On Dec 29th at 6pm, WLR will air a documentary to commemorate the tragedy, called ‘Sink on Sight’, telling the story of the loss of the two Waterford steamships. Listen to the documentary on-air, online and the WLR iPhone and Android Apps.
To read more about the SS Formby and the SS Coningbeg, click here.
Image: Memorials to those lost on the SS Formby and SS Coningbeg on Waterford Quay
