On Friday (December 3) people gathered by Ramsey Quayside to mark the 112th anniversary of the SS Ellan Vannin disaster with a service of remembrance.

People gathered on the spot where the ship set sail from its home port in 1909, bound for Liverpool.

However, in the midst of a severe storm it would sink in the city’s approach channel with the loss of all 21 crew, and 14 passengers. The crew were survived by 18 widows and 70 children.

It is thought that she was broached by a large wave which ’overwhelmed’ the ship, with the resulting wreck being the worst shipping disaster the island had experienced up until that point.

The SS Ellan Vannin had reached the Mersey Bar lightship, but by this point the waves were said to have been seven metres high, and the winds reaching hurricane speeds.

Its experienced captain was 37-year-old James Teare, who had been with the company for 18 years.

The service was led by Ramsey Town Commissioners chair Alby Oldham

Names of the victims were read out by captain Stephen Carter and Steam Packet captain Kane Taha on behalf of the company.

Wreaths were also laid on behalf of the commissioners and the Steam Packet.

The ceremony is carried out every year, where a commemorative plaque stands by the quayside opposite St Paul’s Church.