This was the cry of the captain aboard the HMS Birkenhead on the morning of 26 February 1852. Thus all the women and children on board survived and 436 of the men of the regiments perished. Glenda Kitley, Manager: Gansbaai Tourism, reminds readers of a commemoration to remember this event which is held every year. Gansbaai Tourism, in conjunction with Marine Dynamics, with Marine Dynamics Shark Tours and Dyer Island Cruises, has organised a number of events for this year and they invite everyone to take part in these activities.

Argieffoto: ‘n Kranslegging by die Birkenhead Gedenksteen by die Danger Point Ligtoring is jaarliks ‘n groot hoogtepunt

Om 14:00 op 25 Februarie 2014 sal daar ‘n bustoer na enkele sleutelpunte wees en om 18:00 kan belangstellendes na Gavin Clackworthy rakende die Birkenhead-tragedie in die Great White House in Kleinbaai luister, waar verversings beskikbaar sal wees. On the morning of the 26^th February there will be a boat trip to the Birkenhead rock where biodegradable wreaths will be strewn into the sea. At 11:00 a service will be held at the Danger Point Lighthouse. Om aan enige van hierdie aktiwiteite deel te neem, is dit belangrik om vir Glenda Kitley by 072-291-5564 voor of op Saterdag, 22 Februarie vir plekbespreking te kontak om teleurstelling te voorkom. Behalwe vir die diens by die Ligtoring, is die aantal gaste vir die bustoer, praatjie en bootrit beperk. Mike Gibbs, een van Dyer Island Conservation Trust se Trusteelede, werk aan ‘n dokumentêr oor die Birkenhead-tragedie. Hy nooi die publiek uit ou foto’s of enigiets rakende die sinking van die Birkenhead en ou geboue by die Danger Point Lighuis, óf enige relevante inligting met hom te deel (erkenning sal gegee word). Dit kan aan Alouise Lynch by office@dict.org.za gestuur word, of kontak haar by 082-907-5607. 

Hardus Botha