nau·ti·cal : \ˈnȯ-ti-kəl, ˈnä-\ : adj : of, relating to, or associated with seamen, navigation, or ships
In 1890, a British gunner ship, the HMS Serpent, on its way to Sierra Leone ran into stormy weather on Galicia's Costa da Morte. (Coast of Death)
On November 9th, due to a faulty compass, her navigation system failed. While the crew believed themselves to be more than ten miles clear of Cape Villano, they were actually sailing directly toward the dangerous rocks of Punta Bay. The ship ran aground on the Boy Rock, and eventually broke up and sank.
Only three sailors survived. They swam to shore and found their way to the village of Camarinas.
For weeks after, the townspeople collected bodies as they washed ashore and buried them in the sand on the beach. The final count of bodies recovered was 147, including the Commander of the ship. The townspeople enclosed the burial area with a low wall and added a memorial.
It is called "The English Cemetery", and it sits on this remote, desolate, and utterly beautiful beach.
Comments (9)
that is a very sad nautical story..
Posted by bingskee | February 14, 2009 8:43 AM
Posted on February 14, 2009 08:43
What a lovely serene view, thanks for the sharing the history too. Here's mine http://www.mirasblog.com/2009/02/photo-hunt-7-nautical.html
Posted by Mira | February 14, 2009 8:50 AM
Posted on February 14, 2009 08:50
Beautiful photo, and very nice take on the theme.
Happy Valentines day.
Posted by candi | February 14, 2009 10:00 AM
Posted on February 14, 2009 10:00
Sad story, lovely photo. Your letter is "L"
Posted by Kim | February 14, 2009 12:46 PM
Posted on February 14, 2009 12:46
Sad story but beautiful photo.
Posted by girasoli | February 14, 2009 1:37 PM
Posted on February 14, 2009 13:37
Sad but a very interesting history for such a beautiful photo.
Great take on the theme.
Posted by Eden | February 14, 2009 4:56 PM
Posted on February 14, 2009 16:56
Deborah - that a poignant story and stunning photo - the depth of the blue is amazing.
Posted by Jerry | February 15, 2009 7:22 AM
Posted on February 15, 2009 07:22
The story is so poignant but the photo is gorgeous!
Posted by Annie | February 16, 2009 9:00 AM
Posted on February 16, 2009 09:00
Hi, I'm wondering whereabouts 'The english Cemetry' is ? One of my relations died onboard the 'Serpent' and I would love to visit the area one day. nessyhunter@hotmail.co.uk
Posted by Marcus Atkinson | December 14, 2009 4:43 PM
Posted on December 14, 2009 16:43