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Maria Asumpta, Charlestown, Cornwall. August 1991
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Maria Asumpta, Charlestown, Cornwall. August 1991
The tall ship Maria Asumpta enters Charlestown harbour. The oldest sailing ship in the world still sailing at that time, was invited to the port by the Charlestown Heritage and Trading Company. She spent two days in the port and acted as the venue for a sea shanty festival. The ship was launched at Badalona, Spain, in 1858 and was used to ship textiles between Argentina and Spain. Renamed Pepita in the 1930s, Cuidad de Inca in 1953, she was given back her original name in 1988. In 1995 the Maria Asumpta was on her first voyage after a refit in Gloucester when she hit bad weather and on the afternoon of 30th May prepared to enter Padstow harbour. The captain, Mark Litchfield, decided to sail between The Mouls and Pentire Point, not a route recommended by the Admiralty, she hit rocks and the crew abandoned ship with three men losing their lives. Mr Litchfield was charged with manslaughter due to gross negligence, was found guilty and jailed for 18 months. Photographer: Jonathan Barker
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TRURI : 2017.5.305
Media ID 18072575
© RIC, photographer Jonathan Barker
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Maria Asumpta, Charlestown, Cornwall. August 1991 - A Majestic Voyage and Tragic Fate
EDITORS COMMENTS
. In this print captured by photographer Jonathan Barker, we witness the grand entrance of the historic tall ship Maria Asumpta into Charlestown harbour in August 1991. As the oldest sailing ship still navigating the seas during that time, her arrival was a momentous occasion orchestrated by the Charlestown Heritage and Trading Company. Originally launched in Badalona, Spain in 1858 as a textile transport vessel between Argentina and Spain, Maria Asumpta had undergone various name changes throughout her long history. However, she regained her original name in 1988 to honor her remarkable legacy. During her two-day stay at Charlestown port, Maria Asumpta served as an enchanting venue for a sea shanty festival. Her towering masts and intricate rigging provided an awe-inspiring backdrop for performers and spectators alike. Tragically though, just four years after this photograph was taken, Maria Asumpta faced a devastating fate. On May 30th of 1995 while attempting to enter Padstow harbor following a refit in Gloucester, she encountered treacherous weather conditions. Against recommended routes from the Admiralty's guidance charts, Captain Mark Litchfield chose to navigate between The Mouls and Pentire Point. This ill-fated decision led to disaster as Maria Asumpta struck rocks along this perilous path. With heavy hearts and immense bravery amidst chaos at sea, the crew ultimately abandoned ship; however three lives were tragically lost on that fateful day. The captain himself faced legal consequences for what was deemed gross negligence leading to manslaughter charges. Found guilty of these charges due to his actions during that voyage he was sentenced to serve eighteen months behind bars. This poignant image serves not only as a testament to Maria Asumpta's majestic presence but also as a reminder of the fragility and unpredictability of life
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