A forgotten tragedy: The HMS Birkenhead shark attacks
Steven Spielberg's JAWS (1975) epitomizes cinematic greatness with its array of unforgettable moments. From the gripping opening attack on Chrissie Watkins to Chief Brody's chilling realization during the Alex Kintner death scene, and from the tension-filled Ben Gardner head discovery to Brody's iconic declaration to Quint about needing a bigger boat, the film is a treasure trove of classic scenes.
Yet, one particular moment rises above the rest in the minds of many: Quint's mesmerizing USS Indianapolis speech. Delivered with haunting simplicity by Robert Shaw's Quint to Hooper and Brody, it's a scene that etches itself into the viewer's memory. With only atmospheric background music courtesy of John Williams, the scene unfolds with a lone man recounting a tale of chilling resonance. Whether seen in a packed cinema or on a small screen, the power of this performance never fails to captivate, rendering audiences silent in its grip.
However, there was another naval shark tragedy nearly a century before the sinking of the USS Indianapolis.
In the annals of maritime history, the sinking of the HMS Birkenhead in 1852 is often overshadowed by more well-known naval disasters. However, what sets this tragedy apart is not just the sinking of the ship itself but the harrowing ordeal that followed for the survivors—shark attacks that would become etched in the collective memory of those who witnessed the horror.
The HMS Birkenhead was a British troopship that played a pivotal role in the transportation of British soldiers during the 19th century. On February 26, 1852, the ship embarked on a fateful journey from Simon's Bay, South Africa, to Algoa Bay, carrying soldiers and civilians.
In the early hours of February 27, disaster struck when the ship hit an uncharted rock near Danger Point. Chaos ensued as passengers and crew grappled with the rapidly sinking vessel. Remarkably, the captain ordered the men to stand fast and women and children to be placed in lifeboats first—a move that would later become a maritime precedent.
As the survivors clung to lifeboats, makeshift rafts, and pieces of debris, their troubles were far from over. The frigid waters off the South African coast were teeming with oceanic predators—sharks hungry for an easy meal. Exhausted and traumatized, the survivors faced a new and terrifying threat as sharks circled their vulnerable positions.
Location of the sinking of HMS Berkinhead
The survivors faced a stark choice: stay on the wreckage and risk shark attacks or brave the treacherous waters in hopes of reaching land. The shark attacks, however, were not isolated incidents but a relentless onslaught. Many succumbed to exhaustion, injuries, or the relentless jaws of the predators.
Amidst the chaos, acts of heroism emerged. Soldiers, civilians, and crew members sacrificed their lives to protect the women and children. The valiant actions of the men on the HMS Birkenhead would later be immortalized in maritime history, with the phrase "Women and children first" becoming a well-known principle in maritime safety.
The wreck of the HMS Birkenhead (c. 1892) by Thomas Hemy
Despite the tragedy and the haunting accounts of shark attacks, the sinking of the HMS Birkenhead faded into relative obscurity over time. Nevertheless, the sacrifice and bravery displayed during those harrowing moments deserve to be remembered. The story of the Birkenhead remains a testament to human resilience in the face of overwhelming adversity.
The Danger Point Lighthouse, erected near Gansbaai after the sinking.
The sinking of the HMS Birkenhead and the subsequent shark attacks are a poignant chapter in maritime history, underscoring the resilience and sacrifice displayed by those who faced unimaginable horrors at sea. As we reflect on this forgotten tragedy, let us remember the courage of those who stood fast in the face of calamity, leaving an indelible mark on the principles of maritime safety.
Remembrance plate installed on the lighthouse in 1936
Words by Ross Williams
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