Twenty years after the Al Dana dhow disaster, a tribute to those who lost their lives has been put on hold, with a new date potentially to be set once conditions stabilise.
The Al Dana dhow tragedy occurred on March 30, 2006, when a crowded, modified passenger craft capsized off the coast of Muharraq, killing 58 people and injuring more than 70.
This year marks two decades since the tragedy, but due to the Iranian attacks and the Interior Ministry’s advice to avoid sizeable public gatherings, no service can be held to mourn the victims.
A memorial stone at the Old Christian Cemetery on Zubarah Avenue pays tribute to the people who lost their lives in the tragedy.
Speaking to the GDN, St Christopher’s Cathedral council chair David Axtell has not ruled out the possibility of the annual prayer service to be held after things return back to normal in the kingdom. “The Al Dana dhow disaster was a tragedy that shook the world, but particularly those living in Bahrain at the time,” he said.
“It was an occasion that touched people deeply and I am sure that everyone remembers exactly where they were, who they were with and what they were doing when they heard the terrible news.
“We remember that tragic day in prayer annually. The capsized dhow indiscriminately claimed the lives of new parents, orphaned young children alongside grandparents who may have been visiting the island at the time.
“There were individuals who had been on board but left before the dhow fatefully left the quay. I’m sure they remain traumatised to this day.
“Ideally, we would hold an in-person prayer service to mark 20 years since the tragedy, however, with the current political climate and Holy Week it was felt this would not be possible.
“We aim to conduct a service when it is safe to do so to allow individuals in Bahrain to remember the loss of life and others affected, praying for strength and comfort.”
The boat, which was converted into a floating restaurant, was hosting a dinner cruise with more than 130 people on board when instability caused it to overturn, trapping many passengers.
A total of 58 people lost their lives, including 21 Indians, 15 British nationals, and several others from South Africa, Philippines, Pakistan and Singapore.
The Coastguard was involved in an immediate rescue operation, reaching minutes after the disaster. The US Navy’s Fifth Fleet helped with the rescue effort with divers and small naval craft.
The tragedy led to strict maritime regulation changes in Bahrain.
British Ambassador Alastair Long paid his respect to the victims of the tragedy, reflecting on the sorrow he feels when he looks back at the incident.
“On this solemn anniversary of the Al Dana tragedy, we remember the 58 people who lost their lives and extend our deepest condolences to their families and loved ones in Bahrain, the UK, and around the world,” said Mr Long.
“This was a profound human tragedy that continues to resonate with many communities. It remains an important moment to reflect on the value of life and the importance of safety.
“There is a memorial to the victims of this tragedy which I have visited a number of times and paused to reflect and remember, and which stands in enduring memory of those who lost their lives.”
A golf tournament at the Royal Golf Club, organised by The Royalists, a group of keen players, is typically held at this time of year to raise money towards the upkeep of the memorial stone too.
Meanwhile, real estate agent Vikki Lord remembers her dear friends, Lucinda and Jason Brett, both of whom died in the terrible tragedy. She recalled the day of the incident, how she got the news, and how the kingdom reacted shortly after the disaster.
“I was out of the kingdom when I got a call from Lucinda and Jason’s housemaid, saying that they never returned home,” said Ms Lord. “After a few calls, I eventually found out what happened. I came back to Bahrain the next day.
“I believe Lucinda was among the first to be found. Jason was found later in the evening because he had been in the bathroom when tragedy struck.
“For weeks after that, the entire island was in mourning, as a lot of the expats involved were very well-known.
“It was very sombre, you would walk around the supermarkets and people were just nodding and asking each other if they were ‘OK’. It really affected the island massively and people still talk about it.”
nader@gdnmedia.bh
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