Burravoe disaster devastated a community.
Track Information
Original Track ID
SA1954.107.8
Original Tape ID
Summary
Burravoe disaster devastated a community.
John Robertson recalls the disaster of 21 December 1900 when fishermen took advantage of the calm weather in Burravoe to go off to the line fishing. The men set out before dawn in small boats, smaller than the sixareen [six-oared sailing boat] used for the haaf [offshore] fishing, ignoring the barometer, which was very low. A terrible gale sprang up after they had shot their lines. Some of the boats made it ashore and sent word to their families. Others never made it. It was the biggest fishing disaster in John's own memory. Twenty-two men were lost, leaving 61 dependents.
Recording Location
County - Shetland
Parish - Yell
Island - Yell
Village/Place - Burravoe
Item Location
County - Shetland
Parish - Yell
Island - Yell
Village/Place - Burravoe
Language
Scots
Genre
Collection
Source Type
Reel to reel
Audio Quality
Good