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Wreck of the Strathmore on the Crozet Islands: Turf Tower erected by the Survivors...1876. Creator: W. H. O
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Wreck of the Strathmore on the Crozet Islands: Turf Tower erected by the Survivors...1876. Creator: W. H. O
Wreck of the Strathmore on the Crozet Islands: Turf Tower erected by the Survivors - making signals to a ship, from sketches supplied by Mr. Spencer Joslen, First-Class Passenger, 1876. The island seemed to me about three miles long, and half a mile broad at the widest part. There were no signs of anybody having been on the island before. There are two or three caves which run right through the island. We built up a tower of turf to the height of about 12 ft. and put an oar on top, and when we saw ships we used to signal with blankets. We saw four ships, two of which were very close. The fifth took us off. Though sometimes it seemed as if there was not another bird on the island we always managed to catch a few to keep us alive until they got more plentiful. We also ate a sort of herb, the top of which resembles carrot tops...Five of our number died on the island'. From "Illustrated London News", 1876
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Archipelago Gull Indian Ocean Landmark Laridae Liner Ocean Ocean Liner Passenger Passengers Remote Seabird Seabirds Seagull Seagulls Shipwreck Shipwrecked Signal Signalling Survivors Waving Albatross Strathmore
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[Caption] Title: Survivors of the Wreck of the Strathmore Erect a Turf Tower on the Crozet Islands, 1876 Description: This evocative image captures the resilience and determination of the survivors of the SS Strathmore, who found themselves stranded on the uninhabited Crozet Islands in the southern Indian Ocean following a shipwreck in 1876. The photograph, taken from sketches supplied by Mr. Spencer Joslen, a first-class passenger on board the ship, shows the survivors constructing a turf tower as a makeshift signal station. The tower, which stands at approximately 12 feet high, features an oar on top to attract the attention of passing ships. Context: The SS Strathmore, a British steamship carrying over 200 passengers and crew, struck a reef near the Crozet Islands on January 21, 1876. The survivors were left stranded on the desolate island, with no signs of human habitation or resources. They quickly set about building shelters, gathering food, and attempting to signal passing ships for rescue. The turf tower, erected as a makeshift signal station, became their best hope for salvation. The island, described as being about three miles long and half a mile wide, offered few resources for the survivors. They managed to catch birds to sustain themselves and also discovered a herb with carrot-like tops, which they consumed to stave off hunger. Despite the harsh conditions, they remained hopeful and managed to signal five ships, two of which came close enough to offer assistance. Tragically, five of the survivors did not make it off the island. This powerful photograph is a testament to the human spirit and the lengths to which people will go to survive in the face of adversity. It also underscores the importance of perseverance and the power of communication in times of crisis.
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