Scotland marks 90 years since Latvian steamer disaster

Latvians and residents of Luing gathered in Scotland to mark 90 years since the steamer Helena Faulbaums sank in a storm off the country’s west coast, killing 15 sailors. Four survived. LSM reported that a powerful storm disrupted the anniversary programme.

Residents of the island, which has a population of 175, welcomed visitors from Latvia and Edinburgh. At a cemetery where seven of the sailors are buried, people lit candles by a memorial unveiled in 1938, and a parish minister led a prayer.

“Remembering any tragedy or event is an important opportunity to tell the story again, so people do not forget it,” said minister Trudy Newton.

A church on Luing preserves historical items from Latvia, while a local museum exhibit recounts the steamer’s final voyage and how islanders helped the four sailors who reached the cliffs and waited for rescuers. The grandfather of island resident Mary Ritchie took part in the rescue.

“My grandfather was given a Latvian medal, and it is at my mother’s home on Luing, where my grandfather lived at the time. It is a family heirloom, and we are very proud of it,” Ritchie said.

Latvians from Britain and other countries have regularly visited the island since the 1980s, making the commemoration an important local tradition. Island resident Donna Mackenzie recalled the Latvian costumes and described the visitors as friendly despite the language barrier.

Latvian music and the national anthem were performed in the village hall. One islander learned to play “Pūt, vējiņi!” on the cello for the event, and Scots joined a clapping polka. Kārlis Caucis, a representative of the Latvian Society in Scotland, called the gathering very emotional and said there had been tears more than once.