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Long before the Titanic became the world's most famous maritime disaster, another passenger ship met a tragic end just off the coast of Cartagena.

 

On August 4, 1906, the Italian ocean liner Sirio struck the reefs near the Hormigas Islands, just off Cabo de Palos, turning what should have been a routine voyage to South America into one of Spain's deadliest peacetime shipwrecks. Nearly 300 people are believed to have perished, although the exact number has never been confirmed because passenger records from the time were incomplete.

 

Now, 120 years later, the people of Cabo de Palos have gathered to ensure the tragedy is never forgotten.

 

A new memorial cross has been installed at Cala Túnez, close to the lighthouse, replacing one erected for the centenary in 2006. During a moving ceremony, flowers were placed in the Mediterranean in memory of those who lost their lives and in tribute to the local fishermen whose bravery saved hundreds of others.

 

The Sirio had left Genoa carrying emigrants from Italy and Spain who were hoping to start new lives in Argentina and other parts of South America. As the ship approached Cabo de Palos, it sailed dangerously close to shore before striking the Bajo de Fuera reef, tearing open its hull. Within minutes, panic spread across the vessel as passengers scrambled to escape.

 

With no coastguard or modern rescue services available, it was the fishermen of Cabo de Palos who became the heroes of the day. Launching their small boats into the sea without hesitation, they rescued hundreds of people from the water in what is now regarded as one of the greatest civilian rescue operations in Spanish maritime history.

 

 

One of those remembered in particular is Vicente Buigues, whose courage has become part of local history. Organisers of this year's commemoration believe he deserves even wider recognition and have suggested Cartagena should honour him with a street bearing his name.

 

The anniversary ceremony was organised by writer Lola Gutiérrez, historian Mabel Villagra and journalist Marta Hernández, who hope the event will now become an annual tradition.

 

As part of the commemoration, historian Luis Miguel Pérez Adán reflected on both the heroism and the darker side of the disaster.

 

"It's a story of good and bad, of fishermen who sacrificed themselves to rescue people, while others sought profit and money, thinking of robbing the ship's safe instead of helping the passengers," he said.

 

He added, "Stories change centuries, but human beings remain the protagonists."

 

The organisers are also taking the story of the Sirio beyond the Region of Murcia through talks and exhibitions in cities including Murcia, Madrid, Alicante and Barcelona, hoping one of Spain's most remarkable maritime stories will finally receive the attention many believe it deserves.

 

 

Images: Region de Murcia Digital