Irish Lights Marks 80th Anniversary of the sinking of Isolda
And pays tribute to those who lost their lives at sea
19 December 2020: Today marks the 80th anniversary of the sinking of Isolda, a service vessel owned by the Commissioners of Irish Lights (Irish Lights). On 19th December 1940, Isolda sailed from Rosslare with a relief crew on board for the Barrels and Conninbeg lightships. Irish Lights, operating the lighthouse service, was considered neutral during World War II. A German aircraft attacked the vessel despite it being clearly marked ‘Lighthouse Service’. The Isolda was carrying buoys, which may have been mistaken for mines. It is reported that the aircraft circled three times over Isolda, and on the last pass released bombs, which hit the ship starting a fire. The survivors landed at Kilmore Quay in their own lifeboats. There were twenty eight crew on board, including the master, Captain Alan Bestic. Six men were killed and seven wounded.
Yvonne Shields O’Connor, CEO, Irish Lights, said, “In normal times we would have come together to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the sinking of the Isolda. On this occasion, we have prepared a short video to mark the anniversary and pay our respects to those involved. This was a deeply sad day in the history of Irish Lights. The incident highlights the dangers encountered by Irish Lights and its personnel in the course of its long history. Our thoughts are with our former colleagues who lost their lives and with their families”
Those who lost their lives are honoured and acknowledged for their loyal and dedicated service:
P. Dunne; Coxwain, Dun Laoghaire, aged 45.
P. Farrell; AB Dun Laoghaire
Jimmy Hayden; Fireman, Dun Laoghaire, aged 37.
William Holland; Chief Steward, Dun Laoghaire, aged 57.
William Rushby, Leading Fireman, Dun Laoghaire, aged 43.
Paddy Shortt; Fireman, Dun Laoghaire, aged 43.
May they rest in peace.
Elleesa Rushby, granddaughter of William Rushby, is researching the lives of the Isolda men for her PhD and plans to write a collection of short stories about their lives. She said “they may not have been famous, but I’m sure that each of them was remarkable and their loss left a deep grief in their families. I would like to celebrate their lives”.
Elleesa is looking to interview descendants of the six men to hear their stories and any memories that may have been passed down through the generations. If you would like to make contact with Elleesa contact Irish Lights.
