KAREN INKSTER VANCE
.jpeg)
The Gloup Disaster
The fishermen, their stories, and the storm that changed everything
On the night of July 20–21, 1881, a sudden storm claimed the lives of 58 Shetland fishermen, leaving behind shattered families and grieving communities. This project explores the stories of the fishermen—both the lost and the survivors—and the widows and children who faced overwhelming loss with remarkable resilience. By preserving these narratives, I aim to honour their legacy and provide a deeper understanding of this tragic chapter in maritime history.
Seeking Stories and Memories
As I research the haaf fishing, the Disaster of 1881, and the Shetland Fishermen’s Widows’ Fund, I’m looking for personal accounts, stories, and artifacts that can help bring these histories to life. Do you have memories or family stories about the disaster, haaf skippers, or fishermen at sea? Perhaps photos or relics from the haaf fishing days? Any information about the widows and children who survived? If you have anything to share, I’d love to hear from you as I work on my next book!