Cobh will remember Lusitania rescue efforts with Memorial Flotilla

As part of the Lusitania centenary commemorations in Cork, Cobh will re-enact the gallant rescue efforts of their ancestors with a twilight Memorial Flotilla of boats on May 7th.

The Flotilla, comprising of fishing boats, leisure craft and small commercial boats, will sail from Roche’s Point past Cobh’s waterfront promenade to Whitepoint at 9pm, symbolising the return to Cobh on 7th May 1915 of boats filled with victims and survivors.

Each boat will be illuminated with searchlights and white lights, providing a poignant and memorable spectacle to local communities along the Cork coastline, including Cobh, Fort Camden and Whitegate.

This Procession of Light will continue onshore as one boat, carrying the Cunard Flag, will dock at Kennedy Pier in Cobh to a waiting congregation. The Procession will proceed through Cobh village, illuminating the Lusitania Monument, to a stage on Cobh’s Promenade for a final commemoration, while the 49 bell carillon of St. Colman’s Cathedral is played by Adrian Gebruers, Cathedral Carillonneur.

A free open air tribute concert encompassing music from Cork’s Harbour will also take place on the Promenade that evening from 8am to 10pm, and will provide the perfect vantage point to view the twilight Flotilla. The concert will feature shanties and music from Ireland and America of the era.

Cobh is one of four coastal communities in Co. Cork that are commemorating the Lusitania centenary with a number of events, entitled *Lusitania100 Cork*, in association with Cork County Council.

For more on Lusitania100 Cork and for a full schedule of events in Cobh, Kinsale, Old Head and Courtmacsherry visit www.visitcorkcounty.com/Lusitania100Cork, @LusitaniaCork on Twitter, or @Lusitania100Cork on Facebook.