Description
On the afternoon of the 17th of June 1850, more than 150 passengers crowded onto the paddle steamer The Orion at Liverpool. Some were business travellers, others were on the final leg of long journeys to visit family having crossed the Atlantic from Canada, for others it was part of the early stages of emigration to Australia. Sadly for more than 50 people, it would prove to be a final journey, their lives ending unexpectedly in the waters just off the village of Portpatrick.
In this non-fiction book journalist Jayne Baldwin examines the human story behind the sinking of The Orion and why this ship, the pride of the fleet, sank so close to shore and in perfect sailing conditions. The three officers in charge were brought to court to answer for the tragedy but was justice really done for the fifty people, mainly women and children, who drowned because of their negligence? This book was written to mark the 170th anniversary of the sinking of The Orion.
Connel Soutar –
An incredible read, gripping from start to finish. For something that happened 170 years ago, Jayne Baldwin makes the tale feel alive; the people feel real and the events feel recent.
A recommendation to anyone, not just those interested in wrecks!