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The
Ellan Vannin Tragedy |
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On the morning of 3rd December 1909 the SS Ellan Vannin of the Isle of Man Steam Packet Co. left the Island at 01.13 bound for Liverpool. She was carrying 15 passengers, 21 crew plus mail and 60 tons of cargo. In command was Captain James Teare of Douglas with 18 years of experience. At departure the weather was not particularly rough, and though the barometric pressure was falling, the captain did not expect any trouble. As the passage progressed the weather rapidly deteriorated and by 06.35 when she arrived at the Mersey Bar the wind had increased to storm force 11 with 20 foot waves. She foundered between the Mersey Bar and the Q1 buoy on the Mersey approach channel. She filled with water and sank by the stern. All passengers and crew were lost. Although this song is believed by many to be a traditional song from the Isle of Man, it was in fact composed by Hughie Jones, and first performed by his group "The Spinners" from Liverpool. The Spinners enjoyed considerable success during the 1960's and 70's but are now disbanded. Hughie Jones is still performing though and has several CD's available.
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Snaefell, Tynwald, Ben
My Chree
Fourteen ships had
sailed the sea
Proudly bearing a Manx
name
But there’s one will
never again
Oh Ellan Vannin, of the
Isle of Man Company
Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in
the Irish Sea
At one a.m. in Ramsey bay Captain Teare was heard to say "Our contract said deliver the mail in this rough weather we must not fail" Oh Ellan Vannin, of the Isle of Man Company Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in the Irish Sea Ocean liners sheltered from the storm Ellan Vannin on the wave was borne Her hold was full and battened down As she sailed towards far Liverpool Town Oh Ellan Vannin, of the Isle of Man Company Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in the Irish Sea With a crew of twenty-one Manxmen Her passengers Liverpool businessmen Farewell Mona's Isle farewell This little ship was bound for hell Oh Ellan Vannin, of the Isle of Man Company Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in the Irish Sea Less than a mile from the Bar lightship By a mighty wave Ellan Vannin was hit She sank in the waters of Liverpool Bay There she lies until this day Oh Ellan Vannin, of the Isle of Man Company Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in the Irish Sea Few Manxmen now remember The third day of the month December The terrible storm in Nineteen-nine Ellan Vannin sailed for the very last time Oh Ellan Vannin, of the Isle of Man Company Oh Ellan Vannin, lost in the Irish Sea Lyrics and Music by Hugh E. Jones - Wee Huge Publications. We would especially like to thank Hughie for giving us permission to make our version of his song available for download.
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