Great Britain SS Sardinia Wreck Passengers Saved 1908 Real Photo Postcard
The S.S. Sardinia disaster occurred on November 25, 1908, when the British passenger ship caught fire and sank off the coast of Malta. En route from Alexandria, Egypt, to Marseille, France, the vessel carried over 200 passengers and crew, many of whom were North African or Middle Eastern migrants and pilgrims. The fire, which began in a cargo hold, rapidly engulfed the ship, leading to the tragic loss of approximately 117-120 lives, predominantly women and children.
This event underscored the perils of maritime travel in the early 20th century, particularly for those migrating across the Mediterranean. The photograph captures a group of child survivors, their attire reflecting the diverse origins of passengers traveling between colonial territories and European ports. Such disasters often prompted improvements in ship safety regulations, highlighting the human cost of global mobility during an era of significant international movement and trade.
This event underscored the perils of maritime travel in the early 20th century, particularly for those migrating across the Mediterranean. The photograph captures a group of child survivors, their attire reflecting the diverse origins of passengers traveling between colonial territories and European ports. Such disasters often prompted improvements in ship safety regulations, highlighting the human cost of global mobility during an era of significant international movement and trade.
