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Tribute to victims of Ellan Vannin: 30 November 2009; Mersey Ferries is hosting a memorial event to commemorate the anniversary of a sinking that stunned the Isle of Man 100 years ago.

The SS Ellan Vannin, travelling from Ramsey, Isle of Man, to Liverpool was overwhelmed by a freak wave in one of the worst storms of the century. All 21 crew members, 15 passengers and 60 tons of cargo and mail was lost.

The service , leaving from the Pier Head, Liverpool at 10am on Thursday 3rd December, will be held on board the Snowdrop during the river cruise which for this voyage will cruise towards the Mersey Bar in the area where the Ellan Vannin foundered.

It will be attended by the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man and other dignitaries, while school children and sea cadets will cast 36 red roses into the river for each of the lives lost.

There will be a minute’s silence and sounding of the Last Post as wreathes by dignitaries are thrown into the sea.

Former member of the Spinners Hughie Jones will also be on board to sing his own song The Ellan Vannin Tragedy.

Members of the public can attend the service and tickets are available on the day on a first-come first served basis from the Pier Head Ferry Terminal.

Adults £6.30, concessions £4.85 and children £3.95.; Back to Media Centre