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Burravoe disaster devastated a community.

Date 1954
Track ID 32828
Part 1

Track Information

Original Track ID

SA1954.107.8

Original Tape ID

SA1954.107

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

Collection

SoSS

Source Type

Reel to reel

Audio Quality

Good